A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an opening between the two lower chambers of the heart. This opening allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, creating extra work for the heart.
This page is intended to provide you with general information about the non-surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect (VSD), which should be further discussed with a doctor. It is not intended to provide medical care or treatment. You should consult with a doctor regarding the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition.
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an opening between the two lower chambers of the heart. This opening allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, creating extra work for the heart.
The heart is a pump with four chambers: two small upper chambers called the atria (you have a right and a left atrium) and two larger, more powerful pumping chambers called ventricles (again you have a right and a left ventricle). A healthy heart pumps blood through the body and is controlled by a unique electrical system imbedded within the heart itself.
Typically, oxygen-poor blood flows from the body into the heart through the right atrium and then fills the right ventricle. When the heart beats, this blood is pumped through the pulmonary artery out to the lungs to be filtered and receive oxygen. From the lungs, the now oxygen-rich blood enters the heart through the left atrium. It then fills the left ventricle and is pumped through the aorta out to the body to provide oxygen to all the organs and cells. After it circulates throughout the body it becomes oxygen-poor and returns to the heart.
A VSD is an abnormal opening in the wall between the ventricles. Because there is more pressure in the left ventricle, the oxygen-rich blood flows back into the right ventricle and mixes with oxygen-poor blood. This blood then re-circulates through the lungs and back to the heart causing the heart to overwork. Because some oxygen-rich blood flows through the VSD, less oxygen-rich blood is available to be pumped to the body.
There are a number of treatment options for a VSD, and there is no single option that is right for every patient. You should talk with your doctor to learn about the best treatment option for you or your child; however, there are a few standard approaches of which you should be aware.
One option is medication which may be appropriate to help in treating symptoms associated with the VSD. Other treatment options include open-heart surgery and catheter-based procedures to close the hole in the heart. VSDs have been known to close spontaneously or become insignificant in size during the first one or two years of life.⁵ Therefore, your physician may recommend waiting a year or two to see if closure is necessary.
The Amplatzer VSD Occluders are devices specifically designed to non-surgically close a VSD. The devices are placed in the VSD during catheter-based procedures and will remain permanently implanted.
The Amplatzer VSD Occluders are made from braided Nitinol wires. Nitinol is a metal with shape memory characteristics, meaning the device will return to its original “memorized” shape even after it is stretched to pass through a catheter. The shape of the device was specifically designed to stop blood flow through a VSD.
Severity of symptoms often depends on the size of the hole. While small VSDs can sometimes cause no symptoms, medium to large VSDs can allow more blood to pass through the hole, creating more work for the heart. The increased workload may cause fatigue, high blood pressure and/or an enlarged heart which can potentially cause permanent damage to the blood vessel walls. In babies, VSDs can result in poor weight gain, poor exercise tolerance and possibly heart failure.4
Every person is unique. Your doctor is your best resource for learning about the treatment options available to you and the best course for your condition. Talk to your doctor and follow his or her advice for your care. Keep in mind that a VSD can result in unpleasant symptoms and increased health risk. With proper care, however, it can generally be managed with medication or closure.
A catheter-based procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option available to some patients. The procedure involves making a small incision, typically in the groin, and inserting a small tube, called a catheter or sheath, to navigate through the blood vessels to the procedure site within the heart.
In patients with a VSD, the doctor will then guide the device through the catheter or sheath to reach the VSD. Once the device is placed in the hole, the doctor will carefully study its position using cardiac imaging systems. Once the physician is satisfied with the position, the device is released to remain permanently in the hole. The catheter or sheath is removed and the procedure is completed.
The procedure itself should last about one to two hours and will take place in a heart catheterization laboratory, where many minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures are performed. Your doctor may give you an anesthetic, and you should not feel any significant discomfort.
If you have any of the following conditions you may not be a good candidate to receive the Amplatzer VSD Occluder.
As a device patient, it is important to carry a patient identification card with you to identify yourself as having an implanted device. The patient ID card includes your name, implant date, your doctor’s contact information and information about your device. You will be provided with this card after the procedure.
Your physician is your best resource for the answer to this question. Many patients find that with some extra planning and care they can enjoy traveling even with an implanted device. It is always wise to carry your patient ID card, just in case you encounter difficulties while traveling.
Though some patients worry about airport security systems there is really no need for concern. The metal parts in Amplatzer occlusion devices are very small and usually do not trigger metal detector alarms. However, the sensitivity setting of the metal detector and other factors may affect how the metal detector responds to your device. Simply show your patient identification card to security personnel.
Although most medical equipment will have no effect on your device, it is best to tell hospital personnel that you have an implanted device before you undergo any medical procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are generally acceptable, and your Amplatzer occlusion device has no known hazards when using a 3-tesla MRI. If an MRI is needed, simply inform the MRI staff about your implant.
The risk of increased x-ray exposure must be weighed against the potential benefits of this device. Your physician will ensure that care will be taken to minimize the radiation exposure to the fetus and the mother.
It is unknown if the device affects breast milk. You should discuss this issue with your doctor.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, the recovery will likely be quick and easy. Many patients are discharged from the hospital within 24 hours. Your doctor can provide guidelines for activities and medications. He or she may prescribe drugs to be taken at home to continue treatment and recovery. The decision to prescribe these is at the discretion of your doctor. Many doctors require follow-up appointments over the next year to ensure the patient’s recovery is going well. What to expect during and after the procedure will vary. Discuss all questions and concerns you have with your doctor.
If you experience pain, numbness, sudden weakness, dizziness or rapid heartbeat, seek medical help immediately. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) should be performed.
Every person recovers differently, and your doctor can help determine when activities can be resumed. In general all strenuous activity should be avoided for one month after the procedure.
No, you will not be able to feel the device once it’s implanted.
There are certain potential risks associated with catheter-based procedures as well as additional risks that may be associated with the device. Your doctor is the best source of information about the risks of having an implanted device. Be sure to talk about all your questions and concerns.
You should also be aware that patients allergic to nickel may have an allergic reaction to this device.
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