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A ventricular septal defect, or VSD, is a condition where there is a hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart, present from birth. It's the most common congenital heart defect and can occur alongside other heart issues. A small hole usually causes minor or no symptoms, but a larger one may require repair to prevent lasting damage and complications.
Ventricular septal defects (VSD) occur in around one-third of 1% of newborns, but it's less likely for adults to be diagnosed since the defect often closes naturally during childhood in 90% of cases. VSDs linked to heart attacks are exceptionally rare nowadays, with less than 1% of all heart attacks being associated with them, thanks to modern treatment methods.
The exact cause of ventricular septal defects (VSD) at birth remains unknown. However, it can be associated with other heart defects, heart conditions, or genetic disorders. The use of specific anti-seizure medications (sodium valproate and phenytoin) or alcohol consumption during pregnancy may potentially elevate the risk of a child developing VSD, although further research is needed to establish these as definite causes.
A rare known cause of VSD is its occurrence as a side effect of a heart attack.
Ventricular septal defects (VSD) come in four main types, each differing in location and hole structure:
- Membranous: This is the most common, constituting about 80% of cases. It occurs in the upper part of the ventricular wall.
- Muscular: Found in approximately 20% of VSD cases in infants, this type often involves multiple holes in the heart wall.
- Inlet: Positioned just below the tricuspid valve in the right ventricle and the mitral valve in the left ventricle, blood passing through the ventricles must navigate this type of VSD.
- Outlet (conoventricular): Creating a hole just before the pulmonary valve in the right ventricle and before the aortic valve in the left ventricle, this type connects the two chambers, requiring blood to pass through the VSD on its way through both valves.
- Surgical Closure: After open-heart surgery performed under general anaesthesia, a suture or patch is employed to close the defect.
- Catheter-Based Closure: A minimally invasive procedure where a device is inserted into a blood vessel via a catheter.
- Medical Management: Medication can be employed to manage symptoms in minor faults until they resolve spontaneously or further intervention is needed.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Insufficient closure, or residual shunt
- Blockage of the heart
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Ezzahra Clinic
Ez Zahra, Tunisia
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Ezzahra Clinic located in Ez Zahra, Tunisia has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The clinic has a national and international patient base.
- A cutting edge diagnostic center and an advanced medical imaging platform.
- There are excellent interventional radiology services.
- Interventional radiology department comprises of the following:
- Peripheral infiltration
- Spinal infiltration
- Vertebroplasty
- Guided echo
- Scan biopsy
- Medical imaging section possesses the following:
- 1.5 Tesla MRI
- Standard radiology
- Remote controlled table
- General ultrasound and specialized ultrasound
- Surgical arches
- 2 Color Doppler Echo
- 256 slice scanner
- Cardiac exam unit comprises of the following:
- Doppler Cardiac Ultrasound
- Ligation - esophageal varices
- Polypectomy
- Endoscopic gastrostomy
- Stress Echocardiography
- ERCP
- Gastric Fibroscopy
- Mucosectomy
- Digestive as well as Respiratory Therapeutic, Diagnostic Examinations
- Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring (RCF)
- Colonoscopy
- Complete Maternity Services are also available at the hospital.
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+99Process Involved for VSD Closure / Repair (Adult) in Ez Zahra
- Evaluation & Preparatory Stage: It includes access to detailed history, diagnostic tests and cardiac hypertension evaluation, followed by pre-surgery preparation.
- Procedure Stage: Catheter-based closure and surgical repair
- Postoperative Stage: Intensive monitoring and pain & infection management
- Rehabilitation & Follow-Up Care
- Significant Left-to-Right Shunting
- Heart Failure Symptoms
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Endocarditis Risk
- Progressive Heart Enlargement (LV Dilatation)
- Patients with Symptoms of Heart Failure or Pulmonary Overload
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Infective Endocarditis
- Left Ventricular Enlargement
- Mechanical Valves are composed of durable materials like Carbon and Titanium.
- Biological Valves are composed of animal tissues like cow and pig.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Management
- Valve Repair or Replacement
- Aneurysm Repair
- Pacemaker Implantation
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
- Improves Heart Efficiency
- Prevents Heart Failure
- Reduces Pulmonary Hypertension Risk
- Lowers Endocarditis Risk
- Enhances Quality of Life & Longevity
- Cardiac Surgeon
- Interventional Cardiologist
- Perfusionist
- Cardiologist
- Physiotherapist
- Rehabilitation Specialists
- Fill out the inquiry form: Fill out the form to provide us with the relevant information about your condition.
- Consult with Our Healthcare Expert: One of our qualified specialists will contact you for a consultation.
- Receive a Detailed Treatment Plan: After examining your situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes expert views and cost breakdowns for various choices.
- Choose your preferred option: Choose the treatment option that suits you the best.
