Congenital Heart Defects - Surgery
If your child has a large or complex congenital heart defect, he or she may need open-heart surgery. The kind of surgery will depend on what defect the child has. In general, the types of surgery are:
- Closing holes or blood vessels that have either formed or not closed. Usually, a patch or stitches are used.
- Widening arteries.
- Repairing or replacing valves that are too tight or that leak too much.
- Returning the aorta or pulmonary arteries to the right position.
- Repairing narrowed valves.
In rare cases, a heart transplant may be needed.
Atherosclerosis: Your Arteries Age by Age
Atherosclerosis takes place over a lifetime. Complications from atherosclerosis tend to happen later in life. But the process of narrowing and hardening of the arteries starts early, progressing over decades. Developing some atherosclerosis is often unavoidable. It's the result of aging and our own genetic tendencies. A much larger part, though, is determined by our behavior and lifestyle choices as we move through life. How old are your arteries? Are they the ones you had in college? Or are...
Read the Atherosclerosis: Your Arteries Age by Age article > >
Be prepared for what to expect in the hospital. It may be shocking to see your newborn or child hooked up to so many machines and tubes. For example, your child will likely get medicines and fluids through an intravenous (IV) catheter. He or she may be on oxygen or a ventilator. Your child may have drains in the chest to remove fluids after surgery.
If your child is older, you can help your child feel more comfortable and secure by preparing him or her for what to expect, asking questions, and letting him or her talk to the doctor too.
Surgery Choices
The type of surgery is determined by the defect and the surgeon's preference. Surgery is done for more complex defects or when catheterization cannot correct the defect.
What To Think About
Some congenital heart defects can be completely repaired with one surgery. Some of the more complex heart defects require several surgeries over several years.
Even after surgery, your child may still have symptoms such as weakness and a bluish tint (cyanosis) to the skin, lips, and nail beds. Your doctor may recommend limiting exercise or sports as your child gets older.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Congenital Heart Defects Topics
Today in Heart Disease
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.