The Stage 1 Norwood Procedure is the first of three procedures required to treat the congenital heart disease known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.
The modified Stage 1 Norwood Procedure connects the Pulmonary artery to the Right Ventricle using a shunt. The underdeveloped Aorta is reconstructed and enlarged.
The right ventricle is converted into a common systemic (to the body) ventricle. The oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood mix in the right atrium and right ventricle and is then dispersed out to the body, through the reconstructed aorta, and to the lungs through the RV to PA shunt and pulmonary artery.
The purpose of the modified Stage 1 Norwood Procedure is to allow blood to circulate in a controlled manner throughout the body, without obstruction.