VSD Trivia
What is the most common type of congenital heart defect?
What types of surgery exist for VSDs?
The options are open heart surgery with a synthetic patch fix for the hole, or a transcatheter repair which is less invasive and puts a wire mesh on the hole using a long tube coming up from the leg. However, catheter repairs are less common because they are only possible with certain VSDs locations.
What coping tools can we expect to see in the hospital before and after cardiac surgery?
A Child Life Specialist will be coming to see your child and family to discuss the procedure in appropriate developmental language, and may also provide family games or play with your child at bedside or in the playroom!
Why does a VSD affect your lungs?
Because of the hole in the muscle, blood moves between the chambers and goes into the wrong valves, leading more blood pushed into the lungs than normal, and less out to the body.
What happens in Open Heart Surgery?
What are the likely social difficulties associated with a VSD?
Your child may experience difficulties at school due to changes in appearance after surgery and needing extra help to avoid falling behind in classes. It is important for the school's teachers, counselors and other staff be made aware of the situation and possible needs moving forward. Accommodations may be necessary in learning styles and physical activity.
How do VSDs affect a child's growth and development?
The lack of sufficient oxygen can slow brain synapses from developing normally. The difference in blood flow also affects the body's appetite, metabolism (energy) and sleep cycle, which all work together to promote physical growth.
What is recovery like for VSD surgeries?
The recovery time in the hospital is usually a week or so, as long as there are no complications or other comorbidities present. Then, there will be at-home recovery including medication, frequent rest, and limiting physical activity while the breastbone heals back together. This is usually a few months, and regular checkups with your surgeon will help inform this.
After surgery there will be some pain associated with recovery and rather than only using medication, it can be helpful to supplement pain management with other aids. These could include a pain 'thermometer' craft or other pain scale/chart to help measure the discomfort. For alleviating it, many distraction techniques are helpful like sensory stimulation, water play, calming music or visuals, muscle relaxation exercises and more. Your Child Life Specialist at the hospital can recommend materials, websites, and other resources.
How is a VSD diagnosed?
Sometimes VSDs are found in utero during baby's ultrasounds. But most times, they are found during the first few years of life at your pediatrician's office. The doctor will listen to your heart and hear a murmur, "it sounds like whooshing around while your heart pumps".
What are the most common issues to watch out for following open heart surgery?
Risk of infection should be monitored, usually antibiotics are given before and after surgery to help ensure safety.
The other common risk is atypical rhythms after surgery. This is why close monitoring is done in the days directly after, and then weekly visits to your doctor for a while.
Many children with heart defects, including VSDs grow up to well-functioning adults. It is important to instill hope in the process as much as possible and being a safe and strong support network for your child is one of the best keys for success later on, especially emotionally and socially.
What happens after my child's doctor suspects a VSD?
The primary care doctor will recommend a cardiologist, a heart specialist, and there will usually be tests like x-rays, an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), and an EKG (heart rhythm check) to confirm the diagnosis. Then, depending the severity, it could mean surgery, medication, or simply a 'watchful waiting' period to see if the hole closes on it's own.
How can I assist my child in the best recovery possible?
Recovering from heart surgery means needing to keep cardiac health at the top tier. This includes specialized diet and a gradual increase in mild exercise to bring the heart back to full fighting shape. You should make sure to be in close contact with a nutritionist and a physical therapist, as well as the cardiologist to have these measures in place before discharge.
Family bonding is important during this time and there are many books, games and tools to use, some of which can be showed to you at the hospital! Because CHDs are a common medical struggle, there are support groups available all over the country and the internet. Joining charity organizations and outreach efforts can be a great way to move positively through an illness and help the family and child feel strong and impactful for a greater purpose.