Inferior vena cava (VEE-nuh KAY-vuh): the large vein that returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.

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Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect of a baby’s heart. The left side of the heart doesn’t grow as it should, making it smaller and weaker than normal.

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Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Surgery: The Fontan Procedure

The Fontan procedure is open-heart surgery done as the third of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

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Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Surgery: The Glenn Procedure

The Glenn procedure is open-heart surgery done as the second of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

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Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Surgery: The Norwood Procedure

The Norwood procedure is open-heart surgery done as the first of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

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Heart and Circulatory System

The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article.

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