Congenital Heart Disease: Complications Before and After Surgical Repair

Preoperative Care of Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common types of birth defects, with 40,000 newborns diagnosed yearly in the United States. This article describes: (1) four common heart defects seen in neonatal intensive care units, (2) the typical medical/nursing care of these neonates, and (3) common surgical management for the defects. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, dextro-transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are four common types of CHD requiring NICU admission. Knowledge of these defects will help nurses to appropriately manage and treat neonates with these types of CHD.

Living with Tricuspid Atresia: Case Report with Review of Literature

Tricuspid atresia (TA) is a rare congenital heart defect in which the right atrioventricular connection, the tricuspid valve, is absent. As a result, there is no direct communication between the right atrium and right ventricle. Surgical treatment, including the Fontan procedure, is indicated yet palliative, leaving patients with various lifelong complications. A comprehensive literature review revealed a paucity of evidence-based education on the identification, evaluation, management, treatment, and life span implications of TA. We present a case of TA from birth through adulthood, while simultaneously assessing the literature, to report the most current evidence relative to living with TA after surgical palliation. In addition, the embryology, methods of prenatal and postnatal diagnosis, potential complications, management, anticipatory guidance, and educational needs of both parents and patient are discussed.