Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Effect of Left Atrial Ligation on Avian Embryonic Hearts and HLHS Implications
Published on: June 16, 2023
Hypoplastic Left Ventricle: Definition, Morphology, and Classification of the Cardiac Phenotypes
1Congenital Heart Center, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Insights
This study classifies four congenital heart defects with a hypoplastic left ventricle, offering insights into potential biventricular repair options for hypoplastic left heart complex and related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiac Morphology
Background:
- Previous work defined hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) using 2021 IPCCC and ICD-11.
- This study focuses on cardiac phenotypes associated with a hypoplastic left ventricle (HLV) potentially suitable for biventricular repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define, morphologically classify, and categorize four specific congenital cardiac malformations featuring a hypoplastic left ventricle.
- To provide a framework for evaluating suitability for biventricular repair in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 2021 International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code (IPCCC) and ICD-11 for classification.
- Described definitions and morphology of four distinct cardiac malformations associated with HLV.
Main Results:
- Detailed classification of hypoplastic left heart complex (HLHC).
- Characterization of critical aortic stenosis with left ventricular hypoplasia.
- Description of aortic atresia with ventricular septal defect.
- Analysis of hypoplastic left ventricle with unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect.
Conclusions:
- Established clear definitions, morphology, and classifications for four HLV-associated conditions.
- Aimed to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment decisions, particularly regarding biventricular repair strategies.
Abstract:
A prior manuscript provided information about hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and related malformations, including definitions, morphology, and classification, based on the 2021 International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code (IPCCC) and the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). This manuscript provides information about the related cardiac phenotypes associated with "hypoplastic left ventricle" that might be suitable for biventricular repair, including definitions, morphology, and classification of the cardiac phenotypes of the following four congenital cardiac malformations that can all include a hypoplastic left ventricle: (1) hypoplastic left heart complex (HLHC), (2) critical aortic stenosis with left ventricular hypoplasia, (3) aortic atresia + ventricular septal defect, and (4) hypoplastic left ventricle with severely unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Specialized Characteristics of Cardiac Muscles
Cardiac muscle cells are smaller than skeletal muscles, averaging 10–20 mm in diameter and 50–100 mm in length. However, they have large energy demands for continuous contraction and relaxation. This energy is almost exclusively derived from aerobic metabolism of energy...
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Structure of Cardiac Muscles
Compared to skeletal muscles, cardiac muscle cells are small and mostly have a single nucleus. Additionally, they are usually...

