What’s the prognosis (outlook) for babies with an atrioventricular canal defect?

What’s the prognosis (outlook) for babies with an atrioventricular canal defect?

About 90% of children who have repair surgery have a 10-year survival rate, which means they live for at least another decade after treatment. But even after surgery, someone with an atrioventricular canal defect will never have a “normal” heart. They’ll need periodic echocardiograms to monitor their heart’s function and detect complications early.

The patch over the hole can usually stay in place for a person’s lifetime. However, over time, one of the repaired heart valves may begin to leak. About 5% to 10% of people need a second surgery for the leaky (regurgitant) valve.

Many people lead full, active lives after their surgery. Once your child reaches adulthood, they should transition into the care of an adult congenital heart specialist.