Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Left Atrial Ligation in the Avian Embryo as a Model for Altered Hemodynamic Loading During Early Vascular Development
04:37

Left Atrial Ligation in the Avian Embryo as a Model for Altered Hemodynamic Loading During Early Vascular Development

Published on: June 16, 2023

Is early correction of congenital ventricular septal defect a better option in a developing country?

Awais Ashfaq1, Hassaan Ashraf Zia, Muhammad Muneer Amanullah

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|April 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Early ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair is effective in developing countries. While younger patients experience longer recovery, delaying VSD repair is not justified due to similar complication rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Congenital Heart Defects

Background:

  • Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are common congenital heart anomalies.
  • Optimal timing for VSD repair remains a consideration, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of early VSD repair versus later repair in a developing country.
  • To compare complication rates and recovery times between different age groups undergoing VSD repair.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 39 VSD repair patients (2.5 years) at a tertiary hospital.
  • Patients divided into two groups: <2 years (Group 1) and 2-18 years (Group 2).
  • Analysis of perioperative and postoperative variables, including complications and recovery metrics, using Mann Whitney and Fischer's exact tests.

Main Results:

  • Younger patients (<2 years) showed significantly increased ventilation and ICU stay durations.
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were affected by younger age.
  • No significant difference in overall complication rates or hospital stay duration between age groups.
  • Higher incidence of residual VSD noted in the younger group.

Conclusions:

  • Early VSD repair does not increase morbidity rates compared to later repair.
  • Decreasing age at VSD repair is associated with prolonged postoperative recovery.
  • There is no evidence to support delaying VSD repair based on age alone.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter08:00

Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter

Published on: June 15, 2015

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Development of the Heart01:27

Development of the Heart

The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart tube by...
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by retrograde blood circulation from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to inadequate mitral valve closure. The severity of the condition, symptoms, and underlying cause determine treatment strategies.Monitoring and Pharmacological TreatmentPatients with mild to moderate MR typically do not need immediate intervention but regular monitoring to assess progression and guide treatment. Patients with mild MR should have an echocardiogram every 3-5...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...