Condition
Pediatric Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Key Points About Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) in Children
- A VSD is an opening in the dividing wall between the two lower chambers of the heart.
- The size of the opening affects how severe your child’s symptoms are.
- Small VSDs may close on their as your child grows. If your child has a larger VSD, he or she will likely need surgery or a cardiac catheterization to fix it.
- Most children whose defects close on their own or who have VSD repairs will live normal, healthy lives.
Anatomy of the Heart
This animation presents the anatomy of the heart in detail. Learn about the organ's various parts and the roles that they play.
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/mdC6fd6tLbI/maxresdefault.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ventricular septal defect?
What causes a VSD in children?
What are the symptoms of a VSD in children?
How is a VSD diagnosed in children?
How is a VSD treated in children?
What are possible complications of a VSD in children?
How can I help my child live with a VSD?
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
![Young Boy Trying Provider's Stethoscope and Listening to His Own Heartbeat.](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/cnhs-site/images/brand-images/cardiac-patient-and-provider-2x1.jpg?h=533&iar=0&w=800)
Cardiac Surgery Outcomes Data
Learn about some of the lifesaving surgeries our pediatric heart experts perform each year at Children's National. Find data about the number of operations, how long children stay in the hospital after surgery (length of stay), and how well they recover after surgery (outcomes).
![Young Boy Trying Provider's Stethoscope and Listening to His Own Heartbeat.](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/cnhs-site/images/brand-images/cardiac-patient-and-provider-2x1.jpg?h=533&iar=0&w=800)
Meet the Providers Who Treat Ventricular Septal Defect
- Gino's Story
When Dieana was getting her 19-week obstetrical ultrasound, she got some unsettling news about her son, Gino.
Departments that Treat Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
![Provider for Cardiac Catherization Program](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/0-brand-images/service-line-interactions/surgery/cardiac-catherization-program_19678.jpg)
Cardiac Catheterization
We perform hundreds of catheterization procedures every year. We treat children with the most complex heart, blood vessel, and valve conditions. We have one of the highest success rates for cardiac catheterization procedures. Learn more about Cardiac Catheterization.
![Dr. Jim Park fist bumps young patient](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/0-brand-images/patient-provider-interactions/jim-park-fist-bump.jpg)
Children's National Heart Center
Our expert pediatric heart team, including more than 40 subspecialties, offer advanced heart care and excellent outcomes for thousands of children every year.
![A baby with a stethoscope.](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/blogs/all-istock-photos/baby-with-a-stethoscope.jpg)
The Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute
The Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., provides specialized care for babies during pregnancy, delivery and after birth.