Final answer:
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) closure is indicated when symptoms like dyspnea, tachycardia, an enlarged heart, widened pulse pressure, or poor infant weight gain occur, or to prevent complications like congestive heart failure. Treatments range from surgical to pharmacological interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indications for VSD Closure
Indications for the closure of a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) include various symptoms and complications arising from this condition. A VSD is a congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening in the interventricular septum, which allows blood to flow between the left and right ventricles. This can lead to several symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), and signs such as an enlarged heart, a widened pulse pressure, and poor weight gain in infants. If left untreated, a VSD can result in more severe complications including congestive heart failure.
Treatments for a VSD may include surgical closure or non-surgical interventions such as the use of specialized medical devices like platinum coils or mesh that can be inserted via the femoral artery or vein. In some cases, pharmacological agents like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to close the VSD by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin E2, which keeps the vessel open.
The need for VSD closure would typically be based on the severity of the symptoms, the size and location of the defect, the age and overall health of the patient, and the presence of any associated complications.