VSD Surgery Cost in India

Mostly, VSD occurs as a congenital heart problem – i.e. a defect from birth. The ventricular septal defect develops at the foetal stage when the muscular wall (septum) between the left and right sides of the heart is not properly formed.

This incomplete development of the heart in the baby leaves a hole in the septum between the two ventricle chambers of the heart. But, in some rare cases, VSD can also develop later in life, typically after a trauma to the chest, heart attack or as a complication after certain cardiac procedures.

There are 4 types of VSD:

• Membranous VSD: The opening is in the upper ventricular septum, near the aortic and tricuspid valves. This does not close naturally and surgery is often needed.
• Muscular VSD: Opening is in the muscular portion of the lower ventricular septum and may close on its own. Surgery might not be needed.
• Atrioventricular canal type VSD: The Ventricular septal defect is near the tricuspid and mitral valves. It usually requires surgical intervention for repair.
• Conal septal VSD: It is the rarest type of VSD and is located just below the pulmonary valve.

These are the procedures for VSD treatment in India:

• Surgical Repair: This procedure involves an open heart surgery which is conducted under general anaesthesia. An incision is made in the chest by the surgeon and then stitches or a patch is used to close the VSD hole.
• Catheter Procedure: During catheterization procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin tube into the blood vessel through the groin and guides it to the heart. A mesh device is used to close the VSD opening and the procedure does not involve opening the chest.
• Hybrid Procedure: This approach is the combination of both surgical & catheter procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision to access the heart and a heart-lung machine is used during the procedure to support the patient. The surgeon puts in a catheter tube through the small incision and the VSD is closed using a mesh device. Certain medications are also given to manage the symptoms and prevent related complications.

Paediatric cardiologists are the specialists who deal with the treatment of heart related problems in the growing and developing individuals.

Surgery for treatment of Ventricular septal defect is recommended when the VSD is:

• Large in size
• Causing symptoms and complications
• Affecting the functioning of heart and lungs
• Causing growth related problems (stunted growth) in the child

The VSD repair surgery has been reported to be more successful when done at an early age, typically when the child is between one and three years of age. In the conditions where surgery is required, such as when the hole is of large size or affecting the heart and lungs, it is usually suggested to get it done in the first year of a child’s life.

When the VSD defects is large in size, the oxygenated blood gets pumped back to the lungs causing the heart to work harder and building excessive pressure on the lungs. This can lead to several problems – ranging from mild to potentially lethal.

The complications that can arise include cardiac failure, pulmonary hypertension (excessive pressure on lung arteries), endocarditis (heart infection), and heart valve related problems. Therefore, the defect must be treated on time to prevent such life threatening complications.

A small VSD (diameter equal to or less than 3 mm) can close on its own naturally and it might not need any treatment. However, in the cases where the VSD is of medium (3-6 mm) or larger (greater than 6 mm) size, surgical interventions or medical management is required to repair the defect.

It is also important to understand that medicines cannot reduce the VSD size or make it close any faster than it might do naturally, but they can help manage the symptoms and complications.