I was born with a hole in the heart (VSD) it's quite large measuring 12mm x 7mm. I am due to have it closed has anyone else had this done?

[Cuddy25]

Has anyone had this done so I know what to expect and what possible outcomes may be

[Curlyman83]

I was also born with a hole in my heart (PFO) - apparently they’re quite common. Don’t think mine is quite that large, but my specialists are currently still debating the pros and cons of the procedure to close this…apparently they use an umbrella-like device that opens up and closes the gap.

Will keep an eye on this thread with interest.

I realise that this post has done absolutely nothing to help you, and so I apologise.

Hope you (we) get some answers from the lovely people in this forum.

[Cuddy25 in reply to Curlyman83]

From what the surgeon said they will be closing mine by stitching it some how.

[MillaZ]

I am also following this post as I have a PFO, which was discovered almost 4 years ago.

Had an argument with the cardiologist during my yearly check-up at the beginning of December, as I do not wish to have it closed for the moment, while the cardiologist is adamant it must be closed.

I know there can be side effects (such as bloodclots along the umbrella-like device) and I just want to inform myself better before going under the knife (so to speak).

[Tombob]

I was born with a large hole in my heart (VSD) which was found when I was 64 years. I had OHS surgery and the hole was repaired with a patch. I was a regular fell walker and after recovery I continued to walk the fells and up mountains. The recovery is the same as all OHS operations. Have every confidence in the surgeons they are successfully doing these operations every day. I wish you a speedy recovery.

[Cuddy25 in reply to Tombob]

Thank you I have been really worried not only about the operation but what my life may be like after. I am a keen fishermen and also like walking. Did you have any symptoms before the op? I have developed abnormal heart rythems ( ventricular tachycardia) that caused them to look further. It has also made me have an enlarged left atrium because of the pressure difference over the years.

[Tombob in reply to Cuddy25]

I went to my GP because I was having dizzy spells and I had been feeling a little breathless when out on walks. I also had a pacemaker fitted whilst waiting for my operation. I went to cardiac rehab after my op. and this gave me confidence to go out walking again. I hope you will soon have your op. and be able to get on with your life.

[Glynnw]

I was born with a PDA patent ductus arteriosis . It was closed by open heart surgery when I was 5.

Never had a problem with it since.

These days it would probably done by a much simpler method.