What It Is
Many terms are used to describe this heart defect. They include atrioventricular (AV) canal, complete AV canal, complete common AV canal, and endocardial cushion defect. Essentially, they all describe a similar heart problem. It's a combination of:
Many terms are used to describe this heart defect. They include atrioventricular (AV) canal, complete AV canal, complete common AV canal, and endocardial cushion defect. Essentially, they all describe a similar heart problem. It's a combination of:
- a hole in the wall dividing the heart's upper chambers (atrial septal defect),
- a hole in the wall separating the heart's lower chambers (ventricular septal defect) and
- abnormalities of the tricuspid and mitral valves inside the heart.
T hese combined defects cause extra blood to circulate through the lungs. This results in symptoms of congestive heart failure in infancy. Sometimes there's leakiness (regurgitation) of the abnormal single valve. This may add to the heart failure symptoms.
Surgical Therapy
CAVC is treated surgically. Surgery is done in infancy to close the atrial and ventricular septal defects and reconstruct two atrioventricular valves from the common, single valve. Some patients may have had a temporary procedure to limit blood flow to the lungs (pulmonary artery banding) before a complete repair. The reparative operation produces more normal circulation, but the reconstructed valves often work in a mildly abnormal way.
CAVC is treated surgically. Surgery is done in infancy to close the atrial and ventricular septal defects and reconstruct two atrioventricular valves from the common, single valve. Some patients may have had a temporary procedure to limit blood flow to the lungs (pulmonary artery banding) before a complete repair. The reparative operation produces more normal circulation, but the reconstructed valves often work in a mildly abnormal way.
Medical
If you have a CAVC, a cardiologist with expertise in congenital heart defects should provide care. Besides giving you routine exams, a cardiologist will often obtain one or more tests. These can include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram or chest X-ray.
If you have a CAVC, a cardiologist with expertise in congenital heart defects should provide care. Besides giving you routine exams, a cardiologist will often obtain one or more tests. These can include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram or chest X-ray.
Some patients with residual defects, such as a leaky valve (valvar regurgitation), may need medications to help their heart pump better and/or lower blood pressure.
Being physically active is healthy for the cardiovascular system, but some patients may need to limit their activity. Discuss your situation with your cardiologist.
Problems You May Have
Some people with CAVC may be lethargic or have less stamina after the repair. This may be due to a valve working abnormally. Your cardiologist should check this. Occasional palpitations (skipped heartbeats) also may occur. Some patients may need a pacemaker after the repair, but that's rare.
Some people with CAVC may be lethargic or have less stamina after the repair. This may be due to a valve working abnormally. Your cardiologist should check this. Occasional palpitations (skipped heartbeats) also may occur. Some patients may need a pacemaker after the repair, but that's rare.
Pregnancy
You may handle pregnancy well if you have no significant residual problems after your repair. Consult with your cardiologist before you decide to get pregnant. You need to find out the exact risks to you and your child.
You may handle pregnancy well if you have no significant residual problems after your repair. Consult with your cardiologist before you decide to get pregnant. You need to find out the exact risks to you and your child.
congenital heart defects
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