Atrioventricular Septal Defect Overview

Save information for later
Sign Up

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.
Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
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 is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. Her top area of expertise is Atrioventricular Septal Defect.

Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. David Overman
Thoracic Surgery
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. David Overman
Thoracic Surgery

The Children's Heart Clinic

2530 Chicago Ave Ste 500, 
Minneapolis, MN 
612-813-8800
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances

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

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Edward Buratto
Thoracic Surgery
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Edward Buratto
Thoracic Surgery

Office

3959 Broadway Rm 276, 
New York, NY 
212-305-5975
Languages Spoken:
English

Edward Buratto is a Thoracic Surgeon in New York, New York. Dr. Buratto is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. His top areas of expertise are Atrioventricular Septal Defect, Transposition of the Great Arteries, Ventricular Septal Defects, Heart Valve Repair, and Heart Transplant.

View All Doctors
What are the latest Atrioventricular Septal Defect Clinical Trials?
Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
View All Clinical Trials