VSD size 3.5mm & my daughter now is 22mos old

Question

My daughter was born with VSD & as she gets older it eventually become small but now remained to 3.5mm in sz of the hole in her heart. She is being monitored well & took all necessary maintenance including blood test on her foot, echo & egg by her pediatric cardiologist. But her appt last Oct. 03, 2014...her doctor wants her to go thru catheterization procedure because he said the hole remained the same size since she turned 12mos. Is it really necessary for her to do this? I am afraid for her going thru general anesthesia & the procedure. Pls advice & help me with my dilemma. Thank you in advance for your advice. - Lori

This discussion is related to vsd with arrotic valve prolaps surgery.

lorry88 · Answer

Hi..I am like you very much concern about our daughters to go thru open heart surgery just to close their tiny VSD condition in a size of 3.5 mm & both are physically well otherwise. If you really want minimal procedure such as catheterization for your doctor. I would recommend that you inquire @ Boston Children's Hospital & here is the contact: International: +01-617-355-7672. Let me know how it goes. Goodluck to us!

lorry88 · Answer

Thank you for your reply.

ed34 · Answer

6 is a bit old, I think that younger is more advisable. It's possible that the 6 year old limit is probably based on open heart surgery. For such a simple procedure, I would also prefer the catheter option. To start with I would call the Mayo clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/international/patient-centers/arizona

DritaD · Answer

Hi I am from Australia and just seeking some advice. My daughter is almost 6 years old and has a VSD that was measuring approx 3.5mm at her last check up 10 months ago. She is symptom free but her last echo showed slight left ventricle enlargement. Her cardiologist said that they like to close remaining vsds once children get to about 6years old. 
I have done quite a lot of research on her possible surgery options and am really hoping that if she does require surgery that it will be able to be done via catheterisation. However cardiologists in Australia are very reluctant to do anything but open heart surgery. 
If it came to it I would be happy to take her to another country for catheterisation and am wondering what anyone's experiences are with the procedure. I am also interested to know how much such a surgery may cost in the US and how I could begin to organise this? I truly appreciate any answers anyone may provide :)

ed34 · Answer

I'm afraid so because if it hasn't closed then it needs to be done manually. At least they are doing it using angioplasty and not open heart. I realise this is a very worrying time, but once done you will be very relieved. After the procedure she will be getting full oxygen to the body tissues.