VSD-18 year old,what to do next?

[dr_k469]

i am a medical student..
i have a brother who is 18,with a VSD.
i have his medical reports if there is anyone who can help to decide what to do next

[ToTired]

OK? You do know I was just offering for him to read up more on it and it was no insult to you. That when you go to wiki, there are always more links that you can click on to learn more information on what you're reading. I'm the type of person who always states my sources, so people can read it for themselves and do more research from the source. I was in no way saying anything about your delivery of information at all, and am wondering why you would think that from the little bit I did write and the link. This is the problem with Internet communication. People seem to read too much into what someone is saying.

My information is based purely on what I know from experience, and was hoping this person would be able to answer my questions so I could help him out a little more. Om that note, I think I'll just use this site for answers to my own questions from now on to avoid any confusion or misinterpretations. Good day.

[kenkeith]

Thanks for your post. Yes, I agree,  the  Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, is a wonderful source of medical information. Pathophysology and treatment for VSD is universal medical knowledge regardless of how it is presented including some (cut and paste) or the much slower method (for me, large fingers and small keyboard) by keypunching. The appropriate and effective communication is the objective!  Take care.

[ToTired]

If you would like to read more of what Ken copied, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventricular_septal_defect

[kenkeith]

Smaller congenital VSDs often close on their own, as the heart grows, and in such cases may be treated conservatively.

Does your brother have symptoms such as shortness of breath?  If so that may indicate larger defect and may require surgical intervention. Untreated the condition can cause pulmonary hypertention and cardiomyopathy.  The surgical procedure would involve a heart-lung machine and median sternotomy is performed.

Percutaneous endovascular procedures are less invasive and can be done on a beating heart, but are only suitable for certain patients. Repair of most VSDs is complicated by the fact, as you probably know,  the sepum provides the pathway for the conducting system of the heart's electrical impulses and that is a serious consideration.

[ToTired]

What to do next depends on the severity of the VSD. What are his LV & RV pressures and how much reflux there is? Has he had a cath. and/or echo yet? What are his doctors saying? Has he been having any symptoms?  Has he shown any signs of PH or CHF? Is this something that was recently discovered or have you known about it for awhile?