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Atrioventricular Septal Defect
What is it?
Atrioventricular (pronounced A-trE-O-ven-'trik-yu-lar) septal defect is a condition in which the important parts of the heart are not all the way formed at birth.
In this condition, there is a hole in the septum between the upper atria of the heart and the lower ventricles. This causes atrial and ventricular septal defects.
In addition, the two valves that divide the upper and lower chambers of the heart are not formed correctly. These valves are called the atrioventricular valves because they separate the atria from the ventricles.
This condition is described as a large hole in the center of the heart.
How is it treated?
A baby needs surgery to close the large hole and to repair the valves between the chambers.