Atrioventricular Septal Defect
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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?
Marc D. Knepp
Distinguished in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Marc D. Knepp
Cardiology | Pediatrics | Pediatric Cardiology
Distinguished in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Marc D. Knepp
Cardiology | Pediatrics | Pediatric Cardiology

OSF Children's Hospital Of Illinois - Congenital Heart Center

420 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue Suite 301, 
Peoria, IL 
800-443-9898
Languages Spoken:
English
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Marc Knepp is an Internal Medicine specialist and a Pediatrics provider in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Knepp is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. His top areas of expertise are Atrioventricular Septal Defect, Partial Atrioventricular Canal, Endocardial Cushion Defect, and Isthmian Coarctation.

Jonathan W. Cramer
Advanced in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Jonathan W. Cramer
Pediatric Cardiology | Cardiology
Advanced in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Jonathan W. Cramer
Pediatric Cardiology | Cardiology

Unmc Physicians

Emile 42nd St, 
Omaha, NE 
402-559-4015
Experience:
20+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
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Jonathan Cramer is a Cardiologist and a Pediatric Cardiologist in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Cramer has been practicing medicine for over 20 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. His top areas of expertise are Transposition of the Great Arteries, Eisenmenger Syndrome, Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery, Atrioventricular Septal Defect, and Heart Transplant.

 
 
 
 
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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 is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. Her top area of expertise is Atrioventricular Septal Defect.

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