The Ventricular Switch: An Alternative Strategy Toward Biventricular Repair in Moderately Hypoplastic Left Ventricles or Complex Connections

Abstract

Hypoplastic left heart complex (HLHC) constitutes a spectrum of left ventricular hypoplasia and valvar disease and can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, management of these lesions involves single ventricle palliation (SVP). However, the SVP may be associated with substantial long-term consequences related to its physiology. Alternative management strategies have been employed to achieve biventricular circulation. We have proposed a novel technique, termed the “ventricular switch” procedure, in which the hypoplastic or unroutable left ventricle can be harnessed to function as the subpulmonic ventricle, and the right ventricle functions as the systemic ventricle. Herein, we describe our rationale for considering biventricular circulation and the ventricular switch procedure in HLHC and in other complex lesions.