What Is Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Closure?
Ventricular septal defect (VSD), colloquially referred to as a hole in the heart, requires closure of the hole(s) in the wall separating the ventricles. The diagnosis of the defect and subsequent treatment usually occur in early childhood. The pediatric cardiologist makes an incision into the chest to reach the ventricular septum. In some cases, a patch of surgical material, such as Dacron or Gore-Tex, can be sewn over the defect. In other cases, the surgeon simply stitches the hole(s) shut. The surrounding heart tissues eventually heal over the patch or stitches, closing the hole within approximately 6 months. Most patients are able to leave the hospital within 4 to 5 days of ventricular septal defect closure. The chest incision usually heals within approximately 6 weeks. Painkillers may be prescribed for tenderness and discomfort around the chest scar. For the first few days after VSD closure, patients should confine themselves to complete bed rest. Patients may feel better after 2 t
