Question

After the newborn’s health check-up one week after birth, a 3mm septal defect was discovered. Are parents concerned about whether surgery is necessary?

Answer

For a 3mm septal defect, generally speaking, surgery is not necessary. However, if diagnosed as an I-type ventricular septal defect, surgery should be considered. Septal defects can be treated with interventional therapy, while ventricular septal defects require open-heart surgery to avoid affecting the child’s growth, especially when asymptomatic. Surgery can be performed before the age of 5.