What are the treatments for the condition?

Emergency treatment is usually needed. The infant may need to be put on a ventilator, or artificial breathing machine. Special medications are usually needed to keep the infant alive while waiting for surgery. Open heart surgery is generally the only hope for a cure. Without it, infants will usually die.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Death can occur even with excellent treatment, as these children are very sick and frail. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the surgery is successful, the child may recover completely. Affected children usually need to visit healthcare providers regularly for several years to monitor for further heart problems.

How is the condition monitored?

Before and after surgery, intensive monitoring is required. This may include blood tests, x-ray tests, urine tests, and other monitoring. The child will need close monitoring by a heart specialist for several years after surgery.