Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

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A ventricular septal defect is a hole between the two ventricles or pumping chambers in the muscular partition between the right and left ventricle.  This VSD allows blood to flood the lungs of the child and creates congestive heart failure.  Frequently, the child suffers problems with growth and gaining weight.  Small VSDs may close on their own, but larger ones require surgical closure in the first 6 to 12 months of life.

Surgical correction:  Consists of patching the hole closed using a synthetic fabric (Dacron) or a piece of the sac around the child’s heart (pericardium).  This operation is quite successful and relatively low risk.