Not all VSDs need surgery. Infants with small VSDs may be monitored by a cardiologist to ensure the hole closes, and the cardiologist will watch for any signs of heart failure. For large VSDs or small VSDs that don’t close on their own, additional treatment may be necessary.
Prescription medicines can help relieve symptoms and may reduce complications. Diuretics, also known as water pills, may be prescribed to help the patient’s body filter out sodium and water to help relieve strain on the heart. Oxygen can also be prescribed to supplement the oxygen in the blood.
Most patients with VSD will undergo open-heart surgery. The VSD will be closed with stitches or a patch.
In some cases, VSDs can be treated without open-heart surgery. In these cases, the doctor will insert a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin and maneuver it to the site of the VSD. A device to close the VSD is then inserted through the catheter and into place.
