Norwood Procedure
Pronunciation: NOR-wood
The first-stage surgical palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, reconstructing the aortic arch and establishing systemic circulation.
Full Definition
The Norwood Procedure is a complex first-stage surgical operation for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and other single ventricle lesions with systemic outflow obstruction. This extensive reconstruction involves creating a new aorta using the pulmonary artery and connecting it to the hypoplastic aortic arch, closing the atrial septal defect, and establishing pulmonary blood flow through either a Blalock-Taussig shunt or right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit (Sano modification). This procedure enables the single functional ventricle to pump blood to the body while setting up staged palliation toward eventual Fontan circulation.
Usage
Usage note: Named after William Norwood. May be performed with different modifications (BT shunt vs. Sano) which should be specified.
In Context
- "The infant underwent a successful Norwood Procedure with Sano modification at five days of life." — Surgical case documentation
- "The Norwood Procedure has significantly improved outcomes for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome." — Surgical outcomes research