Small defects that produce few or no symptoms may not require treatment. Also, many defects may close on their own without treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
For patients with large defects and who experience significant symptoms, surgery may be needed.
A new procedure may also be performed, which closes the opening without surgery. A closure device is inserted through a heart catheter, which is inserted in the groin.
After open heart surgery, antibiotics are prescribed prior to dental work or other procedures. This is to reduce the risk of developing bacterial endocarditis .
Bacterial Endocarditis
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