Common Congenital Heart Defect Surgical Procedures

Congenital heart defects often require surgical intervention to correct abnormalities present at birth. These procedures vary depending on the specific defect and its severity. Some of the most commonly performed surgeries include ductus arteriosus ligation and occlusion, which are used to close an abnormal connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Another common procedure is atrial septal defect closure, which can be done either through a catheter-based approach or open-heart surgery to repair the hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.

Common Interventions for Heart Wall Defects

Ventricular septal defects, which are holes in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart, are typically treated with either a catheter-guided occlusion or surgical repair. These procedures aim to restore normal blood flow and prevent complications such as heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

Corrective Surgeries for Complex Defects

Valve and Vessel-Related Procedures

In cases of pulmonary valve stenosis, balloon valvuloplasty or surgical repair may be performed to widen the narrowed valve and improve blood flow to the lungs. More complex heart malformations, such as Ebstein's anomaly, are corrected through tricuspid valve repair or repositioning techniques. Conditions like partial or total anomalous pulmonary venous return also require surgical correction to ensure that oxygen-rich blood flows properly into the left atrium.

Advanced Surgical Techniques for Severe Cases

For more severe congenital defects like Tetralogy of Fallot, comprehensive corrective surgery is necessary. This involves repairing the ventricular septal defect, relieving right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and addressing any overriding aorta. Similarly, complete and partial atrioventricular canal defects are corrected through intricate surgical methods that restore normal anatomy and function of the heart chambers and valves.

Procedures for Great Vessel Abnormalities

Transposition of the great arteries is typically corrected through an arterial switch operation, which repositions the aorta and pulmonary artery to their correct locations. In addition, complex palliative procedures such as the Glenn operation and Fontan procedure are often used for patients with single ventricle physiology, helping to redirect blood flow to the lungs without the need for a ventricular pump.