What is a VSD

What are the signs & symptoms

How is it treated

What can a parent do

The heart has 4 chambers:

	A Right and a Left upper chamber (compartment), called an atrium (a-tree-um)
	A Right and a Left lower chamber (compartment), called a ventricle (ven-trickle)

In the normal heart, the right and left chambers are completely separated from each other by a wall called a septum

It is normal for all babies to be born with a small hole (defect) between the 2 upper chambers (atrium), which usually closes within the first few weeks of life.

Normally there is no hole between the 2 lower chambers (ventricle).  But some babies are born with a hole between the 2 ventricles.  This hole is called a Ventricular Septal Defect or VSD.  It is also sometimes called a congenital heart defect.

A VSD can come in many locations and sizes.  A VSD never gets bigger but sometimes it does get smaller or closes completely. 

A Pediatric Cardiologist—a specialist in heart problems of babies and children—sees babies with a VSD.

If the neonatologist notices any of the symptoms listed above and thinks the baby has a VSD, an echocardiogram may be ordered. 

An echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound of the heart.  It uses high frequency sound waves to measure blood flow and is done at your baby’s bedside. 

The pediatric cardiologist will see your baby and will decide if your baby’s heart defect needs

	Regular checkups
	Special tests and procedures
	Surgery.

If your baby does need surgery, he may be transferred to either Duke University Medical Center or The University Hospital at Chapel Hill for the surgery.

	If the decision is to transfer your baby to another hospital you will be asked to sign a consent giving Cape Fear Valley Medical Center permission to transfer your baby.
	If your baby is transferred to another hospital, the doctors there will also talk with you about your baby’s surgery.

The surgery is done in the Operating Room and the baby is asleep for the surgery.  You will be asked to sign a consent (give permission) for the surgery.

Once your baby’s condition is stable and the doctors are happy with the baby’s progress, the baby will be returned to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Both the pediatric cardiologist and our neonatologist will talk with you about your baby and what they recommend. 

Please feel free to ask questions at any time. 

Keep up with your baby’s progress each time you visit or call. 

An important part of the baby getting better is the parents’ love and concern.

We encourage you to talk and sing to your baby, gently touch or rub them and hold them close if tolerated by the baby.  Talk with your baby’s nurse about this. 

Your love and attention will go a long way in helping your little one on the road to recovery.