Ventricular Septal Defect Repair Surgery

Overview

This procedure is usually performed in the first year of a child's life to repair a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Sometimes called a hole in the heart, this defect occurs in the wall between the heart's two ventricular chambers, creating abnormal blood flow. The surgery closes the hole with a patch.

Preparation

After the surgeon opens the chest to expose the heart, the patient's blood flow is diverted to a heart-lung machine. The machine temporarily takes over the lung's function of oxygenating blood and the heart’s function of pumping blood to the body.

Patching Ventricular Wall

The hole in the wall between the ventricles is closed with a synthetic patch. The closure will prevent blood from passing between the left and right ventricles.

Pacemaker

In very rare cases, this surgery can affect the electrical system of the heart, known as the conduction system, which is found near the VSD. If the conduction system is damaged, a pacemaker may be required.

End of Procedure

The patient is removed from the heart-lung machine. The chest is closed and a drainage tube is left to drain any fluid from around the heart. Most patients are in the hospital for 3-7 days. These patients will need lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist to ensure that no further issues develop, but for most patients no further surgeries or medications will be needed.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.