The Norwood procedure is the first in a series of three open-heart surgeries that gradually improve certain heart defects that are present at birth (congenital heart disease). It is most often used to treat congenital defects in which one or both of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) are defective. The Norwood procedure cannot cure the underlying heart defects, but may enable young patients to remain healthy until the follow-on surgeries are performed. These surgeries include the Fontan procedure. However, the term "Norwood procedure" is sometimes used to refer to all three stages of the surgeries together.

 

Each of the three surgeries is done at a different age, beginning from infancy and continuing into the toddler years. The first two surgeries (Stages I and II) are used to temporarily relieve blood flow problems to and from the lungs. The third surgery (Stage III) is used to further improve circulation.

When all three surgeries are completed, the Norwood procedure re-routes the blood flow around some of the defective areas of the heart by creating new pathways for blood circulation to and from the lungs. Despite the complexity of the procedure, many children go on to live a relatively normal lifestyle after completing all three stages.

The most common heart defects that are treated by the Norwood procedure are: