Empowering patients and families with knowledge and support.
My goal is to provide a centralized resource that offers accessible and educational information regarding single ventricle defects and congenital heart defects, along with a comprehensive system of support for families and patients navigating this challenging and difficult experience.
Click here to learn more about the structure and function of a healthy heart.
This page explores the heart’s four chambers, valve structures, and major blood vessels, detailing blood flow and ‘pumping’ mechanics of the heart and how each structure contributes to the heart’s overall function. We also cover fetal heart development to help you better understand how the heart forms in the womb and how abnormalities can occur. The goal of this page is to provide a comprehensive, yet simplified breakdown of normal heart function to equip you with the knowledge to understand your or your child’s single ventricle defect.
Discover comprehensive information on different types of Single Ventricle Defects, including the mechanical and structural abnormalities, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Click here to explore specific SVDs in detail. Types of Single Ventricle Defects (SVDS)
Diagnosis of Single Ventricle Defects
Explore the various diagnostic tests used to detect, diagnose, and monitor SVDs and other congenital heart defects (CHDs). Treatments and Surgeries for Single Ventricle Defects
Click below for a detailed overview of the treatments and surgical procedures used to treat SVDs, from medication management to the different stages of surgical intervention required during the patient’s life.
About Me
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FounderHi, my name is Olympia Christothoulou. I am currently a senior in high school with aspirations to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. My interest in this field was recently ignited by a fascinating conversation with a physical therapist in the pediatric cardiology unit. We discussed how the field of single ventricle defects has rapidly evolved over the last few years, and I was immediately captivated by the recent advancements and therapeutic improvements in this area. However, from my further research into the field, I saw that the area was still niche, and there are limited centralized resources for families navigating a diagnosis. Through this website, I am hoping to provide accurate and accessible information and support resources for families navigating complex medical journeys.
Outside of school, I am a competitive fencer, which has given me the opportunity to travel all over the world. I also have a younger sister named Coco, who is my best friend, and a dog named Wilbur, like the pig.