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Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV)

Also known as: DORV

What is ​Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV)?

If a fetus’s heart forms improperly in the womb, double outlet right ventricle, or DORV, is one of the many congenital heart defects that can occur. Specifically, double outlet right ventricle means that both the aorta and the pulmonary artery, the body’s two main arteries, come out of the right ventricle. Ordinarily, the aorta comes out of the left ventricle. Most children born with DORV also have a hole in the wall of the septum that separates the right ventricle from the left ventricle.

What causes double outlet right ventricle?

The reason that some babies get double outlet right ventricle, while others do not, is unclear. It is a congenital heart defect that frequently occurs along with other congenital heart problems.

What are the symptoms of double outlet right ventricle?

Infants with double outlet right ventricle often have trouble eating and breathing. They may have blue lips, skin or other body parts that indicate a lack of oxygen. Abnormal heartbeat, a heart murmur, sweating and fatigue are other possible symptoms.

What are double outlet right ventricle care options?

In most cases, double outlet right ventricle can be repaired with one or more surgical procedures.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 5/22/2026 6:58:44 PM

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Pulmonary Atresia Pulmonary atresia is a birth defect of the heart where the valve that controls the flow of blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs does not form, preventing blood picking up oxygen.​
Congenital Heart Defects/Disease Any unusual physical feature or health problem that is present at the birth of a baby is known as a birth defect or a congenital anomaly.