Will being overweight affect the surgery for a ventricular septal defect?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Ventricular septal defect surgery is performed by puncturing the right femoral vein, guiding the catheter into the inferior vena cava, through the atria and ventricles, and reaching the defect via the right ventricle. The occluder can then be delivered through the catheter into the left ventricle, where the umbrella is opened, followed by opening it in the right ventricle; this describes the surgical process.

Therefore, generally speaking, the surgical process is not affected in most patients who are obese. However, severe obesity can impact the accuracy of vascular localization during puncture by the surgeon. Secondly, if complications such as anesthesia issues or other emergencies arise during the surgery, severely obese patients may experience a reduced success rate in emergency surgical interventions, hence it is recommended that patients control their weight.

Furthermore, severe obesity can exacerbate the cardiac load originally induced by the ventricular septal defect, thus affecting the surgical tolerance in patients whose cardiac function is already compromised by the defect. It is recommended that these patients control their weight.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can a ventricular septal defect be detected with a regular ultrasound?

Ventricular septal defect is a type of congenital heart disease, and surgical treatment is recommended for patients. Currently, to diagnose this condition, it is advised that patients undergo a cardiac echocardiography rather than just a standard ultrasound, which does not show clear results. Color Doppler ultrasound is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis and therefore determine the appropriate treatment plan. It is possible to see the size and location of the ventricular septal defect, which can significantly aid the treatment planning. Standard ultrasound may not provide a clear view and can sometimes lead to discrepancies, making treatment challenging. During this period, regular follow-up with cardiac echocardiography is still necessary, and early surgery is recommended for patients.

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Written by Chen Tian Hua
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What are the complications of ventricular septal defect?

The complications of ventricular septal defect mainly include the following: 1. Causes infective endocarditis, with the highest incidence occurring between the ages of 15 and 29; 2. Leads to aortic valve insufficiency; 3. Causes conductive blockages; 4. Leads to heart failure, and can even lead to Eisenmenger syndrome. Therefore, patients with ventricular septal defects should actively complete examinations such as echocardiography. If there are indications for surgery, they should promptly visit a cardiac surgeon for active surgical treatment to correct the anatomical abnormalities of the ventricular septal defect and prevent the condition from worsening and leading to serious consequences.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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If a ventricular septal defect is not surgically repaired, what will happen?

If the patient has a history of congenital heart disease, especially ventricular septal defect, it can lead to symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness. The current recommendation for treatment is primarily symptomatic management; however, it is also advised that patients seek early surgical intervention at a hospital. Medical treatment or drug therapy often does not yield ideal results for this condition, and surgical intervention is necessary to address these symptoms. Currently, minimally invasive surgical treatment can be used. If the patient does not undergo surgery, conditions such as palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing can occur at any time.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Why does a ventricular septal defect cause respiratory infections?

Because ventricular septal defect is a type of congenital heart disease, it mainly leads to pulmonary infections in children, often causing respiratory infections. If this condition is not treated in time, it can worsen the symptoms, decrease the child's resistance, and lead to frequent respiratory diseases. Early surgical treatment is recommended to improve the child's symptoms. It is also important to monitor the child's breathing, heart rate, and pulse changes, and it is advisable to regularly revisit the hospital for an echocardiogram. Early surgical treatment is recommended as it can completely cure the disease.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Symptoms of ventricular septal defect

The main symptoms of a ventricular septal defect depend on the size of the defect and the age of the patient. Generally, smaller ventricular septal defects, such as those measuring only one to two millimeters, result in very little shunting from the left ventricular system to the right ventricular system. This is akin to a tiny amount of air seeping through a crack in a window or door. In such cases, the patient typically does not exhibit noticeable symptoms. However, if the defect is larger, over five millimeters, a significant amount of blood passes from the left ventricular system into the right ventricular system, which can cause substantial congestion in the right or both lungs of the right ventricular system, or lead to recurrent respiratory infections and congestive heart failure. The affected individual may show disinterest in eating, feeding difficulties, and delayed development. As the patient grows older, they may exhibit reduced activity endurance, fatigue or palpitations, and shortness of breath. Gradually, cyanosis and right heart failure may develop. Additionally, patients are at risk of developing infective endocarditis, fever without symptoms, and recurring fever.