Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a congenital heart defect in which there is no connection between the pulmonary veins and the left atrium. An anomalous connection is established that allows the pulmonary veins to deliver pulmonary venous blood to the right side of the heart rather than to the left side. A patent foramen ovale or an atrial septal defect develops in utero, allowing a right-to-left shunting of blood without which the infant would die. This article describes normal embryology, abnormal embryology that results in TAPVC, types of anomalous connections, how TAPVC is diagnosed, surgical correction, and nursing interventions when caring for patients with TAPVC and dealing with the concerns of their family members.