HYPOPLASTIC LEFT-HEART SYNDROME - ANESTHETIC CARE PRIOR TO TRANSPLANTATION OR SURGICAL PALLIATION

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is the most common lethal cardiac defe ct in neonates. Options for treatment include cardiac transplantation and surgical palliation. When cardiac transplantation is chosen as the preferred option a considerable delay may occur until a suitable dono r is available. During this time, anesthetic care may be required for various surgical procedures. Associated anomalies sea in these infants and the anesthetic implications imposed by the abnormal cardiac anato my are discussed.