[PDF] Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - International Society of

What is a ventricular septum malformation (VSD)?

A VSD is a malformation of the wall (interventricular septum) between the two pumping chambers (ventricles) allowing an abnormal communication. A VSD is a type of congenital defect, which means it is present from birth. VSDs are classified based upon whether they are restrictive or non-restrictive.

What is a VSD in dogs?

A VSD is a type of congenital defect, which means it is present from birth. VSDs are classified based upon whether they are restrictive or non-restrictive. In order to understand how this disease may affect your dog, it is important to understand normal circulation in the heart.

What is a non-restrictive VSD?

Non-restrictive VSD : A non-restrictive VSD is a larger diameter defect that allows blood to flow freely between the left and right sides of the heart. The direction of flow is determined by resistance from the lungs and from the body (called “systemic resistance”).

Should VSD be surgically closed?

Current guidelines recommend immediate surgical VSD closure, irrespective of the patient’s haemodynamic status, to avoid further haemodynamic deterioration [48, 49]. Nevertheless, a subgroup of patients with VSD exists, for whom surgery is futile, because mortality approaches 100%; this includes the very elderly and patients with poor RV function.