Staged Reconstruction
A multi-step surgical approach used to treat complex congenital heart defects through sequential procedures.
Full Definition
Staged reconstruction refers to a planned series of surgical procedures performed over months or years to treat complex congenital heart defects that cannot be repaired in a single operation. This approach is commonly used for conditions like hypoplastic left heart syndrome, where three distinct stages (Norwood, Glenn, and Fontan) are performed at different ages. Each stage is designed to optimize the patient's physiology while preparing for the next intervention. The timing between stages depends on patient growth, hemodynamics, and overall clinical status. This strategy allows for better surgical outcomes in high-risk patients.
Usage
Usage note: Use hyphen when modifying a noun (staged-reconstruction approach); specify the number of stages when known.
In Context
- "The infant began staged reconstruction with the Norwood procedure in the first week of life." — treatment plan
- "Staged reconstruction requires careful timing and monitoring between procedures." — clinical protocol