Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) Flashcards
What is an AVSD?
An AVSD is a hole in the atrioventricular septum (a section of the septum that is between the atria and ventricles)
What does AVSD stand for?
Atrioventricular Septal Defect
What does AVSD affect? (2)
AVSD affects valves near the septum and the septum itself
Is AVSD a critical CHD?
Yes
What are the 2 types of AVSDs?
-Complete AVSD
-Partial/incomplete AVSD
What does a complete AVSD refer to?
A large hole in the center of the heart (in the atrioventricular septum)
What does a partial/incomplete AVSD refer to?
An AVSD that isn’t as “complete” as complete AVSD, meaning that it doesn’t have all the defects complete AVSD has.
When do infants with complete AVSD usually start showing symptoms?
Infants with complete AVSD usually show symptoms within the first few weeks after birth.
What are some signs and symptoms of AVSD in general? (4)
Some signs and symptoms of AVSD (in general) include:
-Breathing problems
-Weak pulse
-Cyanosis
-Heart murmur
What is cyanosis?
Cyanosis is the condition of having bluish lips, skin, and nails because of low blood oxygen levels.
What is a heart murmur?
A heart murmur is a whooshing sound that can be heard in the heart with a stethoscope due to irregular blood flow through the heart.
When is a complete AVSD most likely to be detected/suspected?
During a physical exam
Even if the infant has an AVSD, a heart murmur may not be _____ _____ _____.
Even if the infant has an AVSD, a heart murmur may not be present at birth.
What other additional tests/exams are used to confirm the diagnosis of an AVSD? (4)
-Echocardiogram
-ECG/EKG
-Chest x-ray
-etc.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound of the heart
What treatment would be needed for all AVSD types (complete and partial/incomplete)?
Surgery
What are the goals for the surgery to treat AVSD? (3)
-To close the AVSD using patches
-To replace or repair the mitral valve if it doesn’t close properly
-(For complete AVSD) To split the common atrioventricular valve into 2 separate valves (one on the right and one on the left)
What does the term “common atrioventricular valve” refer to in the context of AVSD? Why does this happen?
The term “common atrioventricular valve” (in the context of AVSD) refers to the single valve that separates the atria and ventricles, instead of the usual 2. This occurs due to the absence of the atrioventricular septum, resulting in there not being a spot for the second leaflet for both the TV and the MV, creating one big valve with leaflets on both ends of the heart.
