Treatments

Intracardiac Repair for VSD

Intracardiac Repair for VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) is a surgical procedure performed to close a hole in the wall (septum) between the two lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. A Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect that can lead to abnormal blood flow between the left and right ventricles, potentially causing heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other complications.

What is a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)?

A VSD is a hole in the septum that separates the left and right ventricles. This defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle. The left ventricle normally pumps blood into the body, and the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs. With a VSD, the abnormal blood flow can cause excess blood to flow into the lungs, overloading the heart and lungs and leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and failure to thrive in infants.

Types of VSD:

• Perimembranous VSD: The most common type, located near the upper part of the ventricular septum.
• Muscular VSD: Found in the lower, muscular part of the septum.
• Inlet VSD: Located near where blood flows into the ventricles.
• Outlet VSD (Supracristal VSD): Located near the outflow tract of the ventricles, where blood exits the heart.

Purpose of Intracardiac Repair for VSD:

The goal of the repair is to close the VSD and restore normal blood flow between the ventricles. This helps prevent complications such as heart failure, lung damage, and arrhythmias. Surgery is typically recommended for larger defects that do not close on their own or if the patient has symptoms such as difficulty breathing, failure to thrive, or evidence of increased pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

Benefits of Intracardiac Repair for VSD:

• Prevents heart failure: By stopping the abnormal flow of blood between the ventricles, the surgery prevents excessive pressure on the heart and lungs.
• Reduces the risk of pulmonary hypertension: The surgery helps prevent the high blood pressure in the lungs that can develop due to untreated VSD.
• Improves quality of life: Patients often experience a significant improvement in symptoms, including better energy levels, normal growth (in infants and children), and overall heart function.