How is atrioventricular canal defect treated?

How is atrioventricular canal defect treated?

An atrioventricular canal defect usually requires open-heart surgery. During atrioventricular septal defect repair, your surgeon puts patches on the hole in the septum. In the case of a complete defect, your surgeon also separates the single heart valve into two separate valves on the right and left sides of your child’s heart.

It’s best to do surgery as early as possible, before the heart sustains permanent damage. Many babies have the surgery during infancy, within their first six months. A baby that isn’t healthy enough for surgery may need medication to manage symptoms until they gain weight and strength.