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Ventricular septal defect



Heart, section through the middle
Heart, section through the middle
Heart, front view
Heart, front view
Ventricular septal defect
Ventricular septal defect


Ventricular septal defect

Alternative Names:

VSD; Interventricular septal defect
Treatment:

In mild cases, no treatment is needed, although the baby should be closely followed to ensure that the hole closes properly as the child grows. With congestive heart failure, medications, such as digitalis (digoxin) and diuretics, may be prescribed to control symptoms.



If symptoms continue despite medication, surgery to close the defect with a Gore-tex patch is needed. Some VSDs can be closed with a special device during a catheterization. Treating a VSD that does not have symptoms is controversial, and should be carefully discussed with your health care provider.


Expectations (prognosis):

Many small defects will close on their own. For those defects that do not spontaneously close, the outcome is good with surgical repair. Complications may result if a large defect is not treated.


Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

Most often, this condition is diagnosed during routine examination of an infant. Call your infant's health care provider if the baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, or if the baby seems to have an unusual number of respiratory infections.




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