Question
When is it appropriate to perform surgery for a 1-year-old baby diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect?
Answer
Medical professionals recommend considering surgery for babies with a ventricular septal defect larger than 5 millimeters after they reach 3 years of age and weigh more than 10 kilograms. For babies with a ventricular septal defect between 5 and 36 millimeters in size and whose conditions are suitable, minimally invasive interventional surgery can be performed. However, for babies with larger defects or more complex conditions, or for those with smaller defects, surgery may not be the best option. In some cases with small defects, due to the limitations of the surgical occluder, surgery may not be recommended. It is advised to consult a professional doctor for individual case evaluation.