Ventricular Septal Defect

Introduction:

The septum is a wall that separates the heart’s left and right sides. Septal defect are sometimes called a “hole” in the heart. A defect between the heart’s two lower champers (the ventricles) is called a ventricular septal defect (VSD).

When there is a large opening between the ventricles, a large amount of oxygen rich (red) blood from the heart’s left side is forced through the defect into the right side.

If the opening between the ventricles is small, it doesn’t strains the heart. In case the only abnormal finding is a loud murmur.

Surgical therapy

Closing small ventricular septal defect may not be needed. But if the opening is large even in patient with few symptoms, closing the hole in the first two years of life is recommended to prevent serious problems later. Usually the defect is closed with a patch. Over time the normal heart living tissue covers the patch, so it becomes a permanent part of the heart. Some defects can be seen closed without a patch. Repairing a VSD restores the blood circulation to normal. The long term outlook is good.

Post operative care

Medical care

After their VSD is closed, patients should be examined regularly by a cardiologist. He or she will make sure that the heart is working normally.