Where to treat a ventricular septal defect: at home or abroad?
42% of cardiological diagnoses made in the CIS countries are not confirmed in clinics in Germany and Israel.
For diagnosis in foreign clinics, modern ultrasound devices and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. The contrast agent is selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the patient's health. This increases the accuracy of the procedure and reduces the risk of allergy to the drug.
Surgical treatment of a ventricular septal defect abroad is carried out in specially equipped operating rooms. There are artificial blood circulation and artificial lung ventilation systems, special systems for urgent resuscitation of children.
One of the main complications after open heart surgery is heart failure, which occurs due to the heart-lung machine. After such an operation in Russia, 80 out of 100 patients survive.
To avoid such risks, cardiac surgeons in clinics in Israel, Germany, Turkey and Spain perform surgical interventions on a beating heart. They do not require the connection of artificial systems. The success rate of heart surgeries abroad is 98%.
What to consider when choosing a clinic for the treatment of ventricular septal defect?
When choosing a clinic for the treatment of ventricular septal defect in children and adults, it is necessary to consider:
- qualification of cardiac surgeons
In clinics abroad, patients are treated by the world's leading cardiac surgeons. Each of them has more than 500 successful operations for heart defects. They are the authors of unique methods of catheter procedures and open surgical interventions.
Successful treatment of a ventricular septal defect requires accurate diagnostic equipment (high-resolution MRI and CT), cardiac catheterization devices, and ultrasound. In operating rooms, resuscitation systems for children and adults, heart-lung machines, and systems for visual monitoring of the operation should be installed.
- Accreditation of a clinic for the treatment of children
Some foreign clinics accept only children or only adult patients for treatment. The Bookimed medical coordinator will help you choose the right medical facility.
Diagnosis of ventricular septal defect abroad
In clinics abroad, a ventricular septal defect in a child can be detected even before birth. Pathology shows the ultrasound of the mother during pregnancy. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe transvaginal echocardiography.
After birth, an examination is carried out:
- a chest x-ray to get an accurate picture of the structures of the heart and the defect itself
- MRI or CT of the heart to assess the condition of its vessels and tissues;
- ECG and EchoCG for the study of heart rate;
- phonocardiography to detect systolic murmur.
Cardiac catheterization in children is performed only in difficult diagnostic cases. It allows you to determine the type of congenital defect and its size, measure the pressure in the cavities and vessels of the heart, evaluate the work of the heart chambers.
Treatment of ventricular septal defect abroad
A small ventricular septal defect does not require special treatment. Children with this defect grow and develop normally. To prevent any infections that can harm the heart, the doctor prescribes a course of antibiotic therapy.
Children with moderate or large defects should have regular cardiac examinations. So the doctor will immediately notice any abnormalities in the work of the heart and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Medical treatment of ventricular septal defects
The doctor prescribes drugs that help the heart cope with the additional load:
- diuretics, which remove excess fluid from the body;
- an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme) to improve the condition of the myocardium during increased stress;
- cardiac glycosides, which improve myocardial function.
Medical treatment of a ventricular septal defect allows you to postpone surgery for several years. In children at 3-4 years old, the defect can close on its own. If this does not happen, doctors perform surgery, which is more effective at this age.
Surgical treatment of ventricular septal defect
In the surgical treatment of a ventricular septal defect, cardiac surgeons use the following methods:
- low-traumatic surgery with cardiac catheterization - the doctor closes the defect through a catheter that is inserted into the radial or femoral artery;
- open heart surgery. It is carried out with large defects under general anesthesia and with the connection of a cardiopulmonary bypass system.
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In case of especially severe or multiple defects abroad, a heart transplant or a heart-lung complex is performed.
How is a ventricular septal defect treated at different ages?
The method of treatment depends on the size of the defect and the age of the patient. In some cases, foreign cardiac surgeons prescribe drug therapy and regular cardiac examinations to patients. Surgery is most often performed on children over the age of 3 years.
Treatment of a ventricular septal defect in a fetus
A ventricular septal defect in a fetus is diagnosed during a routine ultrasound of a pregnant woman. To clarify the diagnosis, foreign cardiologists perform a transvaginal ECG.
At this stage, no special treatment is prescribed, because the defect can close on its own before delivery. Doctors recommend expectant mothers to remain calm and adhere to a healthy lifestyle.
With complex defects that threaten the life of a child, foreign cardiac surgeons perform intrauterine heart surgery.
Treatment of VSD in a newborn
In a newborn child, a ventricular septal defect is detected even before birth or during the first 3-5 months of life.
For small and medium-sized defects, drug treatment and regular cardiological monitoring are indicated.
During this period, the cardiac surgeon will perform surgical treatment only in case of a large defect or heart failure.
Treatment of ventricular septal defect in children
For the treatment of ventricular septal defect in children from 3 years of age, drug therapy and surgical treatment are used.
For small defects, the doctor performs a cardiac catheterization. During this procedure, he closes the hole in the septum between the ventricles with a special mesh. Over time, the mesh overgrows with muscle tissue, and the defect closes.
Treatment of ventricular septal defect in adults
A ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart defect. It is detected at an early age, so the disease is quite rare in adults.
In adults, small ventricular septal defects appear, so surgical treatment is not performed. Doctors recommend regular check-ups. According to its results, drugs may be prescribed periodically to maintain the work of the heart.
How to go abroad for treatment of a ventricular septal defect?
To go abroad for treatment of a ventricular septal defect, leave a request on the Bookimed website. You will be contacted by a coordinating doctor who will help you choose the best clinic.
Prices for VSD treatment are listed on the Bookimed website. To receive an individual treatment program, you must provide medical records and test results of the patient. The doctor-coordinator will transfer them to the selected clinic. Foreign cardiac surgeons will review all documents and offer the possibility of therapy or surgery with an accurate cost.
Before traveling abroad, you should consult with your treating cardiologist. He will advise which mode of transport is safer for your child.
During treatment and after returning home, Bookimed stays in touch with you.
Bookimed is an independent medical platform. We do not represent the interests of any of the clinics. Our services are paid by partner hospitals, not by patients.