Congenital heart disease results in defects of the heart and circulatory system and occurs in approximately one out of every 115 children born.

The defects range from mild to severe and nearly half of affected infants require intervention within the first year of life. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is one of the most common forms of congenital heart disease that results in a single functional ventricle.

The primary goals of occupational and physical therapy are to provide evaluation, and direct therapy in the areas of sensory development, motor function, social-emotional development and feeding.

Occupational therapy works with babies who have congenital heart disease (CHD) while they are in the hospital as part of the feeding team.

Physical and occupational therapy work together as a team with the nurses, physicians and the family to provide optimal care and outcomes for this population.

Physical Therapy Treatment

• State regulation
• Positioning
• Facilitation of postural and movement skills
• Parent education

Occupational Therapy Treatment

• State regulation
• Positioning
• Feeding
• Parent education