St Vincents Private Hospitals

Ventricular septal defect closure is a medical procedure to repair an abnormal opening in the wall of the lower heart chambers. This is known as a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and it is a very common heart condition that often occurs alongside other heart problems. VSDs are usually diagnosed at birth but some may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Treatment will depend on the size and location of the hole. If the hole is big enough to cause further health complications, or damage to other parts of the heart such as the valves, ventricular defect surgery may be recommended to close up the opening in the heart wall. 

What does it do?

Ventricular septal defect closure is a surgical treatment to repair a structural heart problem and help protect your health for the future. In a healthy heart, the lower chambers are separated by the heart wall, and they have separate responsibilities in pumping blood around your body. When a VSD occurs, it changes how blood flows through the heart, and increases pressure on the lungs. Ventricular septal defect closure surgically seals the hole and separates the chambers so that they can resume their individual function and operate effectively. 

How does it work?

Once the VSD has been diagnosed using various tests such as an echocardiogram, chest X-ray, ECG (electrocardiogram), and CT scanning, your doctor may recommend surgical closure. Ventricular septal defect closure works by restoring the heart wall using a special patch or device. A mesh patch or closure device is passed through to the heart using a catheter, or applied through open heart surgery. Heart tissue then naturally grows around the hole which permanently seals it closed as it forms a natural part of the heart wall.