Experimental Fetal Surgery

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Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

When the aortic valve of a fetus's heart is blocked, the left ventricle doesn't grow large enough to supply blood to the body. HLHS is fatal if untreated and requires several surgeries after birth. But if doctors operate before birth, it is possible that the child will be born with a healthy heart.

SOURCES: Children's Hospital; Dr. Darshak Sanghavi; Emily Flynn-McIntosh