Video - Ventricular septal defect

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Video Summary

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a type of congenital heart defect that affects the septum, the wall that separates the two ventricles of the heart. In VSD, there is an abnormal opening in the septum that allows blood to flow between the two ventricles. This results in increased blood flow to the lungs, causing pulmonary hypertension and, in severe cases, heart failure. VSD is typically diagnosed during infancy or childhood, and imaging tests such as echocardiography or cardiac catheterization may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for VSD depend on the size and location of the defect, and can include medications, surgery, or catheter-based procedures to close the hole and restore normal blood flow in the heart.