The Norwood procedure is specifically performed for which condition?

The Norwood procedure is specifically designed for the treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), which is a critical congenital heart defect. In HLHS, the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, leading to inadequate blood flow to the body due to an impaired ability of the heart to pump oxygenated blood.

The Norwood procedure is a multi-stage surgical intervention initially performed in infancy that reconstructs the heart and enables better circulation. It involves the creation of a new route for blood to flow from the heart to the body without relying on a fully functional left ventricle. The goal is to increase blood flow to the aorta while addressing the structural issues inherent in HLHS.

Other conditions listed, such as transposition of the great vessels, tetralogy of Fallot, and patent ductus arteriosus, require different surgical options tailored to their specific anatomical and physiological challenges. Each of these conditions has its own designated management strategies and procedures that differ from the Norwood approach. Thus, recognizing that the Norwood procedure is specifically intended for hypoplastic left heart syndrome helps clarify its unique position in the arsenal of cardiac surgeries for congenital heart diseases.