Atrioventricular Septal Defect Overview

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Learn About Atrioventricular Septal Defect

What is the definition of Atrioventricular Septal Defect?
An atrioventricular defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart malformation in which there are holes in the walls between the atria and ventricles (upper and lower chambers) of the heart combined with the presence of abnormal heart valves. An atrioventricular defect causes blood to flow abnormally between all four chambers of the heart. There are two types of atrioventricular defects: 1) complete atrioventricular defect, and 2) partial or incomplete atrioventricular defect.
What are the symptoms of Atrioventricular Septal Defect?
Some individuals with a partial atrioventricular septal defect may not experience any symptoms. Symptoms of an atrioventricular defect may include fatigue, heart pounding, weak pulse, difficulty breathing, blue or gray skin color (cyanosis), abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure), and swelling of legs or abdomen (edema). Symptoms of heart failure in infants and children with atrioventricular septal defect may include excessive sleepiness, lethargy, difficulty breathing, difficulty feeding, failure to thrive, rapid heartbeat, blue or gray skin (cyanosis), and congested lungs.
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What are the current treatments for Atrioventricular Septal Defect?
Treatment for atrioventricular septal defect requires surgical repair of the defect and valve repair or replacement. Medication, such as diuretics and vasodilators, may be used short term while waiting for surgery. Feeding difficulties and failure to thrive may be treated with tube feeding and additional calories. It is important to note that surgery for atrioventricular septal defect does not provide a cure. A child or adult who has undergone surgical repair will have to have be monitored during regular follow-up visits with a cardiologist for possible complications, such as mitral valve leak or other complications.
Who are the top Atrioventricular Septal Defect Local Doctors?
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Emmeline E. Calkoen
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Emmeline E. Calkoen
Leiden, ZH, NL 

Emmeline Calkoen practices in Leiden, Netherlands. Ms. Calkoen and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. Her top areas of expertise are Atrioventricular Septal Defect and Endocardial Cushion Defect.

Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. David M. Overman
Thoracic Surgery | Cardiology
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. David M. Overman
Thoracic Surgery | Cardiology
2530 Chicago Ave, Ste 500, 
Minneapolis, MN 
612-813-8800
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

David Overman is a Thoracic Surgeon and a Cardiologist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Overman and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. His top areas of expertise are Atrioventricular Septal Defect, Ebstein's Anomaly, Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Dr. Overman is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Luc L. Mertens
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Luc L. Mertens
555 University Ave, 
Toronto, ON, CA 

Luc Mertens practices in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Mertens and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. His top areas of expertise are Tetralogy of Fallot, Atrioventricular Septal Defect, Coarctation of the Aorta, Heart Transplant, and Kidney Transplant.

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