Children born with a single functioning ventricle (inclusive of hypoplastic left heart syndrome) face a lifelong illness
that requires multiple critical care admissions. Univentricular anatomy refers to any congenital cardiac malformation
where one ventricle is hypoplastic or absent. These defects create complicated physiological states and require staged,
palliative interventions that alter hemodynamics. Medical, surgical, and nursing interventions for single-ventricle
circulation involve supporting adequate tissue oxygen delivery and optimizing the performance of the single functioning
ventricle. This series of articles is a result of collaboration of advanced practice nurses affiliated with the Pediatric
Cardiac Intensive Care Society. The goal of this series of articles is to describe various physiological states, medical and
surgical management, and nursing care across the lifespan of patients with a single ventricle.