Treatment of Ventricular Septal Defect in Israel

Professor Bernardo Vidne

Head of the Institute of Pediatric Cardiology

At the Top Ichilov Medical Center, surgeries to correct ventricular septal defect (VSD) are performed by the best cardiac surgeons with many years of experience. Each specialist is proficient in all surgical treatment methods, including both open-heart surgeries and minimally invasive procedures. The department is well-equipped with all modern equipment and technology. Thanks to the high qualifications of the cardiac surgeons, surgeries are performed on children from the earliest age.

94%

of patients received the necessary treatment

93%

of patients underwent a modern diagnostic program

1700

successful surgeries performed

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Treatment Methods at the Top Ichilov Medical Center

Normally, in a fetus at 4-5 weeks, the hole in the septum between the heart ventricles closes. However, in some cases, this does not happen, and the child is born with a heart defect. An open hole in the septum disrupts the normal functioning of the organ, worsens the child's quality of life, and can threaten life as it progresses.

The tactical options for this heart defect are limited: observation or surgery.

• Observation is carried out if the pediatric cardiologist sees gradual closure of the hole in the septum. Even if the process is slow, such a baby is monitored, as in 50% of cases the defect resolves on its own. If no dynamics are observed, surgery is indicated.
• Surgery can be performed using two methods: open intervention and minimally invasive. Open surgery is performed on the open heart, and the patient is connected to a heart-lung machine. During the procedure, the defect is closed with a synthetic patch implant. In minimally invasive surgery, a special catheter with a patch mesh is introduced into the heart ventricle through the femoral vein. The implant is placed over the hole, and the mesh gradually grows into connective tissue, forming a complete septum between the ventricles.

Diagnostic Methods at the Top Ichilov Medical Center

Symptoms in children: the child has poor weight gain, is less active, and even slight exertion causes rapid breathing. Some children may experience periodic cyanosis. In adults: complaints of heart dysfunction, swelling of limbs and face, cyanosis of the fingertips, fatigue, and any exertion causes shortness of breath, etc.

The ventricular septal defect is diagnosed in the first weeks of the baby's life. If the pediatrician is sufficiently competent, they may suspect the defect during auscultation and refer the child to a pediatric cardiologist. Unfortunately, qualified doctors are not available everywhere, so sometimes children with heart defects go unnoticed.

To diagnose VSD and assess the characteristics of the defect, patients undergo examinations:

• Heart ultrasound – one of the safest and most informative research methods. During the examination, the boundaries of the heart, functionality, etc., are determined.
• Catheter angiography with contrast agent. Examination of the defect, blood flow in the ventricles, pressure within the heart chambers;
• Pulse oximetry – monitoring of body oxygenation (performed at rest and with exertion), tracking the degree of blood oxygen saturation reduction;
• MRI. An effective research method that allows creating a three-dimensional model of the heart with the defect.

If surgery is planned, the patient must undergo additional examinations to determine their overall condition.