Ventricular Septal Defect - VSD

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Procedure Description

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a congenital heart condition characterized by an abnormal opening in the septum, the wall separating the heart's two lower chambers, or ventricles. This defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle, causing the heart to work harder to deliver enough oxygen to the body. Over time, this additional strain on the heart can lead to complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and arrhythmias if left untreated. Treatment options vary depending on the size of the defect, symptoms, and overall heart function.

The primary treatment for VSD is a surgical repair, which involves closing the defect to prevent the abnormal mixing of blood between the ventricles. Surgical procedures for VSD can be either open-heart surgery or minimally invasive procedures, such as catheter-based interventions. Open-heart surgery, typically used for larger or more complex defects, involves placing a patch over the hole. Alternatively, minimally invasive catheter-based approaches are used for smaller VSDs, where a small device is inserted via a catheter to seal the defect.

Before the procedure, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and sometimes MRI, to determine the size, location, and hemodynamic impact of the VSD. Once the appropriate procedure is selected, patients are prepared for surgery, and the treatment team ensures that every aspect of the patient's heart function is optimized to reduce risks and improve outcomes. The ultimate goal is to restore normal blood flow, relieve symptoms, and prevent long-term complications related to the defect.

Procedure Duration

The duration of a VSD repair procedure varies based on factors such as the patient’s age, defect size, and chosen method. For open-heart surgery, the procedure itself generally takes between three to six hours, though some cases may require more time depending on complexity. The preparation stage, including anesthesia, positioning, and initial incisions, can take about 60-90 minutes. In open-heart surgery, a heart-lung machine is used to maintain circulation while the heart is temporarily stopped for the surgeon to close the defect.

Minimally invasive catheter-based VSD repair usually takes between one to two hours and does not require the use of a heart-lung machine, which significantly reduces procedural and recovery times. Following the procedure, patients are monitored in a recovery room and transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) if needed for close observation, usually within the first 24 hours after surgery.

The hospital stay following VSD repair can vary from one to two days for minimally invasive procedures to five to seven days for open-heart surgery. Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, although full recovery from open-heart surgery may take a few months. Physical activity may be limited for a period as the heart heals, and regular follow-ups are essential to ensure a healthy recovery trajectory.

Benefits

  • Restoration of Normal Blood Flow: Corrects the abnormal blood flow between ventricles, reducing strain on the heart.
  • Improved Oxygen Delivery: Ensures the body receives adequate oxygenated blood, alleviating fatigue and enhancing overall energy levels.
  • Prevention of Long-Term Complications: Lowers the risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension associated with untreated VSD.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Many patients experience an improved quality of life post-surgery, with fewer symptoms and better endurance.
  • Reduction in Symptoms: Relieves symptoms such as shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and poor weight gain in infants and children.

Potential Destinations

  • India: Known for its high-quality cardiac care facilities and internationally trained specialists, India offers VSD repair at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries. Indian hospitals are well-equipped with advanced technology, making it a reliable choice for complex procedures.
  • Thailand: Thailand has become a popular destination for heart surgeries due to its combination of affordable healthcare, skilled surgeons, and luxurious recovery options. Bangkok and other major cities have renowned hospitals that offer cutting-edge cardiac care.
  • Turkey: With a reputation for excellence in medical tourism, Turkey provides state-of-the-art facilities for cardiac procedures, including VSD repair. Its hospitals often have multilingual staff, making it accessible for international patients.
  • Mexico: For North American patients, Mexico offers proximity and cost-effective medical solutions. Many Mexican hospitals specializing in cardiac procedures have internationally recognized certifications, ensuring quality and safety.
  • South Korea: South Korea’s advanced healthcare system and specialized cardiac centers attract patients worldwide. Hospitals here employ the latest technology in cardiac care, including minimally invasive VSD repair techniques.

Risks & Considerations

  • Infection: Risk of infection exists with any surgical procedure, particularly in open-heart surgeries. Hospitals with stringent infection-control protocols reduce this risk.
  • Arrhythmias: Patients undergoing VSD repair may experience abnormal heart rhythms post-procedure, which can require further medical management or interventions.
  • Heart Valve Damage: Depending on the VSD's location, there is a possibility of damage to nearby heart valves during repair, particularly if the defect is near the tricuspid or aortic valves.
  • Residual VSD: In some cases, a small residual hole may remain after surgery, which could necessitate further intervention if it causes significant symptoms.
  • Anesthesia Risks: Like any procedure involving anesthesia, there are associated risks, particularly in patients with underlying health issues. Anesthesia-related complications are rare but can be serious.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When choosing a doctor and hospital for VSD repair, consider their expertise in handling congenital heart defects and specifically VSDs. Opt for surgeons and institutions with a proven track record in cardiac surgeries, especially those that have experience with both open-heart and minimally invasive techniques.

Accreditation is essential for ensuring the quality and safety standards of the hospital, particularly when traveling internationally. Look for hospitals that meet international healthcare standards, as this certification typically reflects high-quality surgical facilities, infection control, and patient care. Additionally, consult with the hospital’s patient liaison team to discuss the procedure, recovery plans, and language support if necessary. This due diligence can help ensure a smooth experience and a successful outcome.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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