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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.

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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.

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?

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). 

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Providers Who Treat Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Departments that Treat Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

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Prenatal Cardiology Program

Children diagnosed with heart conditions before they are born receive comprehensive, expert care from our fetal cardiology specialists. Learn more about our Prenatal Cardiology Program.

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Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Our pediatric heart surgery team performs twice the number of surgeries of any other hospital in the region, with some of the best outcomes in the nation.

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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.