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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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The London Clinic
London, United Kingdom
We, The London Clinic family, take pride in our reputation as a multi-disciplined healthcare facility. With skilled nurses and expert consultants, our medical teams are always focused to deliver the best individualized medical care. More than 1,000 nursing, clinical, and support staff are currently working with us to give our patients an extensive range of treatments. We use cutting-edge technologies to ensure a comprehensive range of healthcare services. Not only that, in order to make your stay with us comfortable enough, we equip our patient bedrooms with:
- Electronic patient-controlled bed
- En-suite bathroom
- Air conditioning system
- Remote-controlled television and radio
- Telephone with direct dial facility
- Nurse call system
- Personal safe
- Wi-fi
Patients from all over the world fly to us to get their procedures done by our specialist doctors, which is why we also provide our patient's concierge services. Our concierge services include:
- Booking travel and hotel accommodation
- Arranging London tour
- Making theatre and restaurant reservation
The London Clinic has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness. Our dedicated housekeeping team cleans every room every day between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm. They are also entitled to supply fresh towels every day and clean the rooms properly between patients.
We also have a day surgery unit based on the third floor at 20 Devonshire Place to make sure a hassle-free surgery as well as post-surgery care for our patients. Our cancer care unit at 22 Devonshire Place is also among our key services.
Werndale Hospital
Carmarthen, United Kingdom
The Circle Werndale Hospital offers patients from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion access to private facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. The 27 beds of Circle Werndale Hospital are all private and comfortable, with en suite bathrooms, satellite TV, and phones.
The specialists can perform a variety of operations, from simple investigations to intricate surgeries, thanks to these facilities, the newest equipment, and on-site support services. With committed nursing teams and resident medical officers on duty around the clock, this specialized knowledge is backed by compassionate and skilled medical personnel who offer care in a welcoming and comfortable setting.
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