growing experience of transcatheter device closure of such defects
which avoids the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.
In summary, the indications for closure of a ventricular septal
defect in an adult include the presence of a significant left to right
shunt in the absence of pulmonary vascular disease, progressive
aortic valve disease, recurrent endocarditis and acute post-
infarction rupture in patients with haemodynamic compromise.
Currently there is no evidence that closure of a small ventricular
septal defect would prevent the occurrence of arrhythmias and
ventricular dysfunction in the long term. The presence of
established pulmonary vascular disease (Eisenmenger syndrome)
is a contraindication to surgical intervention.
FFuurrtthheerr rreeaaddiinngg
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