Yes, a baby can live with half a heart, specifically with a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), but it requires extensive medical intervention.
Understanding Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
HLHS is a birth defect where the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. This includes the left ventricle, mitral valve, aortic valve, and aorta. In essence, the left side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the body.
Treatment and Survival
Without treatment, HLHS is fatal. However, with a series of complex surgeries, babies with HLHS can survive. The typical treatment involves a sequence of three open-heart surgeries:
- Norwood Procedure: This is typically performed within the first few weeks of life. It creates a new aorta and connects it to the right ventricle.
- Glenn or Hemi-Fontan Procedure: This is usually performed when the baby is 3-6 months old. It connects the superior vena cava (the vein that returns blood from the upper body to the heart) directly to the pulmonary artery.
- Fontan Procedure: This is typically performed when the baby is 18 months to 3 years old. It connects the inferior vena cava (the vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart) directly to the pulmonary artery, completing the separation of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood within the heart.
Life After Surgery
While these surgeries allow babies with HLHS to survive, they often face ongoing challenges:
- Reduced Energy Levels: Because their heart is working in an unconventional way, they may have less energy than other children.
- Developmental Delays: Some babies with HLHS may experience developmental delays.
- Need for Medications: They will likely need to take medications throughout their lives to manage their heart condition.
- Further Surgeries: Additional surgeries or interventions may be required later in life.
- Potential for Heart Transplant: In some cases, a heart transplant may be necessary.
Quality of Life
Despite the challenges, many children with HLHS lead relatively normal lives, attending school, playing, and engaging in activities, although they may need to take precautions and have regular medical checkups. Advances in medical care have significantly improved the outlook for these children.
