Is the success rate of neonatal ventricular septal defect surgery high?

The overall success rate of neonatal ventricular septal defect surgery is high, especially with the support of current advanced medical technology, the success rate of surgery is over 90%, but the specific situation is still related to factors such as the size and location of the defect and the overall health of the child. Through early diagnosis, precise treatment plans and postoperative care, the vast majority of children can return to normal life.

1. What is ventricular septal defect?

A ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart defect in which an abnormal hole exists between the left and right ventricles of the heart, allowing oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood to mix. Depending on the location and size of the defect, it can cause mild symptoms or severe heart problems, including shortness of breath, slowed growth and development, and other problems.

2. Why is the success rate of surgery so high?

Modern medical technology has significantly improved the success rate of treating ventricular septal defect:

Minimally invasive interventional occlusion: It is suitable for small and medium-sized defects, has small surgical trauma and fast postoperative recovery, and is a major advancement in current surgical options.

Open-chest repair: Suitable for children with larger defects or other heart malformations. Although it is more traumatic, doctors can use special patch materials to effectively repair the defect and improve heart function.

Hybrid surgery: combines the advantages of minimally invasive and open-chest techniques, is suitable for complex situations, and requires higher surgical experience and equipment.

3. Factors affecting the success rate of surgery

Although the overall success rate is high, the following factors may affect the outcome of the surgery:

Size and location of the defect: Repairs close to heart valves are more difficult and safer without interfering with critical anatomical structures.

The general condition of the newborn: such as low weight, malnutrition or other deformities, may affect recovery.

Whether it is discovered in time: Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce preoperative complications and lower surgical risks.

4. Postoperative recovery and care recommendations

Good postoperative care is also crucial:

Take infection prevention or anticoagulant drugs as prescribed by your doctor to protect heart function.

Observe the child's eating and breathing conditions, and seek timely follow-up if any abnormalities are found. If there are problems such as recurrent pneumonia or difficulty gaining weight, further monitoring of heart function is also required.

Regular follow-up visits, cardiac ultrasound examinations, and long-term monitoring for postoperative complications or residual problems.

The success rate of ventricular septal defect surgery is currently very optimistic, and most newborns can grow and develop normally after treatment. It is recommended that parents consult a professional pediatric cardiologist to choose the best treatment method based on the actual situation and actively cooperate with postoperative care. Timely detection and intervention are the key to improving the surgical effect and the child's quality of life.