Pulmonary Artery Sling
Pulmonary artery sling is a rare condition where the left pulmonary artery (transports oxygen-depleted blood from the heart to the lungs) has an unusual starting place and route as it travels to the left lung. Usually, it would branch off from the main pulmonary artery. In a heart with pulmonary artery sling, it branches from the right pulmonary artery and passes between the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (tube that carries foods and liquids from the mouth to the stomach). This unusual path causes pressure on the trachea and esophagus. Because of this, all children with pulmonary artery sling will require surgery.
Pulmonary artery sling is a congenital heart defect, which means babies are born with it. At Nemours Children's, we offer leading-edge capabilities to detect heart problems early, including babies still in the womb. If your child has been diagnosed with pulmonary artery sling, the pediatric cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons (specialists in surgical procedures of the chest, including the heart and lungs) at the Nemours Cardiac Center will offer the latest treatment options, including advanced surgical repair techniques.
Pulmonary artery sling is a rare condition where the left pulmonary artery (transports oxygen-depleted blood from the heart to the lungs) has an unusual starting place and route as it travels to the left lung. Usually, it would branch off from the main pulmonary artery. In a heart with pulmonary artery sling, it branches from the right pulmonary artery and passes between the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (tube that carries foods and liquids from the mouth to the stomach). This unusual path causes pressure on the trachea and esophagus. Because of this, all children with pulmonary artery sling will require surgery.
Pulmonary artery sling is a congenital heart defect, which means babies are born with it. At Nemours Children's, we offer leading-edge capabilities to detect heart problems early, including babies still in the womb. If your child has been diagnosed with pulmonary artery sling, the pediatric cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons (specialists in surgical procedures of the chest, including the heart and lungs) at the Nemours Cardiac Center will offer the latest treatment options, including advanced surgical repair techniques.
Why Choose Us
Our Nemours Cardiac Center team has the experience to provide diagnosis and treatment of even rare pediatric heart defects like pulmonary artery sling. World-class heart care requires the compassion to understand your family's journey, and the expertise to heal even the most complex conditions. Our cardiac surgeons treat a vast array of heart defects in infants, children and teens, using the most innovative, up-to-date approaches. Our specialty is the early detection and repair of heart problems, so your child will have the best possible chance for a healthy future.