Learning your baby was born with a serious heart condition is something no parent wants to hear. This news can leave you asking, “What’s next?”
When your child has truncus arteriosus, two main blood vessels — the pulmonary artery and aorta — don’t separate correctly during pregnancy and are guarded by a single valve (called the truncal valve). There’s also a large hole in the heart called a ventricular septal defect. This condition can cause problems with your baby’s heart, lungs and blood flow. But surgery and medication can give your child the chance to live an active life.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s compassionate, skilled healthcare providers are here with personalized treatment for this life-threatening diagnosis. Our team knows you probably have a lot of questions and worries. We make sure you have the answers and support you need before, during and after your baby’s treatment — so you can feel more confident about the future.
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons work closely with other experienced healthcare providers to care for your baby’s unique needs. They’ll create a treatment plan designed specifically for your child’s diagnosis. Meet our team.
Our providers deliver expert heart care at every stage of your child’s life. These trusted partners will care for their heart before birth, through infancy, childhood and adolescence. And when it’s time to move into adult care, we help them make a seamless transition. We’re here to support their well-being throughout their entire journey.
Knowing your baby needs heart surgery can be stressful. Our team is here to support your family. We’ll guide you through what to expect before, during and after the procedure. And we’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way.
We constantly look for new ways to treat congenital (born with it) heart conditions in children. We often do this through clinical trials. Ask your child’s care team for more information about this essential research approach.
Not all appointments need to be in person. Our virtual visits let you (and your child) stay home when you need a quick check-in. You can connect with your provider from just about anywhere.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized throughout the U.S. for our expertise and care.
There are different ways we can detect truncus arteriosus in children. We may spot it before birth during a prenatal ultrasound. If we do, we’ll likely recommend you have a test called a fetal echocardiogram (echo) so we can take a closer look and plan a safe delivery for your child.
If truncus arteriosus isn’t detected during pregnancy, babies born with it usually develop symptoms soon after birth. They may have a rapid or abnormal pulse, breathing issues, trouble feeding, bluish skin and fatigue.
If your child has any of these symptoms, our team will check their blood oxygen level. We use a small device that clips on their finger or toe (pulse oximeter). We’ll also do another echocardiogram to check your baby’s heart and better confirm the diagnosis.
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Surgery is usually the necessary treatment for truncus arteriosus. Your child will need to have this corrective surgery soon after birth. And more surgeries may be necessary, depending on your child’s condition at follow-up visits.
In this procedure, we’ll surgically separate the arteries that go to the lungs (from the truncus). The truncus will then function as an aorta (and the truncal valve becomes the aortic valve). We’ll close the hole in your child’s heart and connect the right ventricle to the lung arteries with a conduit (tube). Sometimes, the truncal valve will also need repair.
Your child may also need to take medications called diuretics to help reduce fluid buildup in their body. Our team may also prescribe blood pressure medications. And we could recommend feeding your baby high-calorie infant formula or exploring tube feeding (enteral nutrition) if they aren’t gaining weight.
Your baby will have ongoing care from our providers. We want to make sure their heart keeps working as it should. Some children might need more surgery as they get older to repair or replace their aortic valve or enlarge the pulmonary artery conduit placed during their first surgery.
Children with truncus arteriosus might also be at a higher risk of developing endocarditis, a type of heart infection. Because of this, they may need to take antibiotics before dental and medical procedures. Your child’s care team will go over everything you need to know about preventive measures.
If your child continues to need care into adulthood, we’ve got them covered. Their pediatric care team will help them transition to adult care with Cleveland Clinic providers when they’re ready to move forward.
The thought of your precious newborn undergoing heart surgery can be stressful. We’re here to help ease your fears. Our team makes sure your baby gets the lifesaving treatment they need — quickly. We’ll walk beside you at every step during this challenging time, offering the information and caring support your family deserves.
Getting an appointment with one of our truncus arteriosus experts is easy. We’re here to help your child get care.
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