VSD Closure Surgery

VSD Closure Surgery (Ventricular Septal Defect)

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall (septum) separating the two lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. It is one of the most common congenital heart defects and may occur at birth or due to genetic/infectious conditions during pregnancy.

What Happens in VSD?

Oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle leaks into the right ventricle.
The heart pumps extra blood to the lungs.
This overworks the heart and may lead to complications over time.

Symptoms of VSD

Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
Fatigue
Cyanosis (bluish lips, skin, nails)
Heart murmur
Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Swelling in limbs

Diagnosis of VSD

Common tests include:

Echocardiogram – Structure, blood flow, and pressure
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Rhythm monitoring
Chest X-ray – Heart size and shape
Cardiac MRI – Detailed imaging
Cardiac catheterization – Blood vessel mapping
Stress test – Heart function under physical activity

Treatment Options

Observation

Small VSDs may close on their own.
Regular check-ups are required.

Medication

Beta-blockers – Slow heart rate
Calcium channel blockers – Relax blood vessels
Diuretics – Remove excess fluid
Anticoagulants – Prevent blood clots

Note: Medications are usually for symptom relief, not for closing the hole.

Surgical Procedures

Intra-Cardiac Surgery

Open-heart surgery
Heart-lung bypass machine used
A patch (tissue or synthetic) sewn over the defect
Tissue eventually covers the patch naturally

Catheter-Based Intervention

Minimally invasive
Catheter inserted via blood vessel to heart
Closure device placed at defect site
Ideal for small defects

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Physical Exam – General fitness assessment
Blood Tests – Organ function, blood type
Chest X-ray – Heart condition
ECG – Rhythm monitoring
Antibiotics – Infection prevention
Fasting and hygiene instructions provided

Post-Surgery Care

Hospital stay: several days (longer for open surgery)
Antibiotics to prevent endocarditis
Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist
Monitoring for complications or new congenital conditions

Complications to Monitor

Valve leakage or narrowing
Endocarditis (infection)
Stroke or arrhythmia
Blood clot formation
Recurrence or incomplete closure

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What other heart issues can occur with a VSD?
A: Leaking/narrowing valves, Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and rhythm disorders.

Q: How do VSDs develop?
A: Incomplete formation of the ventricular wall during fetal development.

Q: What causes VSD?
A: Often unknown; genetics and environmental factors (infections, drugs, diabetes) may play a role.

Q: How is VSD diagnosed?
A: Murmur detection with a stethoscope, confirmed via echo, ECG, X-ray, or MRI.

Q: Is VSD life-threatening?
A: Small VSDs often aren't. Large, untreated VSDs can lead to heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

Q: What are the long-term risks of unrepaired VSD?
A: Heart and lung damage, arrhythmias, stroke, and reduced life expectancy.

Q: How is VSD treated today?
A: Open-heart surgery is standard for large defects; catheter methods for smaller ones.