Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Ben's Story

Ben was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome before he was born — and he was just 3 days old when he had the first of the three open heart surgeries he would need to survive.

Ben Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped – and it requires a series of open heart surgeries.

Pediatric heart surgeon Stephanie Fuller, MD, performed all of Ben's surgeries at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, reconstructing Ben's heart so that it would function as a one-sided pump. His heart now receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the body. This is called Fontan circulation.

Ben is now a funny, feisty 6-year-old who loves climbing trees and playing with Legos. “People tell us, ‘If we didn't know that he had a heart condition, we would never believe it,’” says his mom, Ellen.

Originally published February 2015


Next Steps
Outpatient Appointments
Second Opinions, Referrals and Information About Our Services
Mom holding infant cardiac patient

Why Choose Us

Our specialists are leading the way in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of congenital and acquired heart conditions.

Cardiac Patient and Mom

Stay in Touch

Subscribe to receive updates on research and treatment, patient stories, profiles of clinicians, news about special events and much more!


You Might Also Like
Caila Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hitting Milestones

Caila was diagnosed with HLHS and treated at CHOP by the Cardiac Center team as a baby. 15 years later, she's reaching milestones.

Hudson smiling

Need for Speed

After developing heart failure, Hudson received a heart transplant at CHOP. Now 5, he's running circles around his parents.

Frances sitting in a pumpkin patch

An Active and Happy Toddler

After the first two of a staged series of three heart reconstruction procedures to treat HLHS, Francis is doing well.