VSD

When Is VSD Surgery Needed? - VSD Treatment in India

A ventricular septal defect, or VSD, is a hole in the wall between the heart's two lower chambers. This short explains when surgery may be advised to close the hole.

Understanding a VSD

A VSD is a common type of congenital heart defect, meaning it is present at birth.

• A hole in the heart. It is an opening in the wall, or septum, that separates the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart.
• Altered blood flow. The hole allows oxygen-rich blood to pass from the left ventricle into the right ventricle, mixing with oxygen-poor blood that is then pumped to the lungs.
• Varying sizes. VSDs can range from small to large. Many small defects cause no problems and may close on their own during childhood.

When surgery may be needed

The decision to recommend surgery depends on the size of the VSD, the person's age, and their symptoms.

• Large defects. A large VSD can cause the heart and lungs to work too hard. Surgery is usually recommended to prevent complications.
• Signs of heart failure. In infants, symptoms such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, and slow growth may indicate that surgery is necessary.
• Lung pressure. If a VSD leads to high blood pressure in the lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension), surgery is often advised to prevent permanent damage.
• Adult patients. An adult with a medium or large VSD that is causing symptoms or enlarging the heart may be advised to have the defect closed.

Types of surgical repair

• Open-heart surgery. This is the most common approach. The surgeon closes the hole directly with stitches or by sewing a special patch over it.
• Catheter procedure. In some cases, a less invasive procedure may be an option. A thin tube (catheter) is guided through a blood vessel to the heart to place a device that plugs the hole.
• The surgical team. The procedure is performed by a cardiac surgeon, often one who specialises in congenital heart defects.

Whether surgery is the right approach for a VSD depends on the individual case. A final decision can only be made by a specialist after a full evaluation of your medical reports and recent imaging.