Norwood procedure
A three-stage palliative surgical approach for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, involving reconstruction of the aortic arch.
Full Definition
The Norwood procedure is a complex three-stage surgical palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), one of the most severe congenital heart defects. Stage I involves creating a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt and reconstructing the aortic arch using the pulmonary artery. The procedure redirects blood flow to compensate for the underdeveloped left ventricle. Subsequent stages (Glenn and Fontan procedures) complete the single-ventricle circulation pathway. Named after William Norwood, this procedure has dramatically improved survival rates for HLHS patients.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as it's named after surgeon William Norwood.
In Context
- "The infant underwent a successful Norwood procedure at three days of age." — Surgical report
- "Post-Norwood complications include shunt stenosis and arrhythmias." — Clinical documentation