Heart defects come in all types, from minor to major.
Defects can occur inside the heart or in the large blood vessels outside the heart. The heart defect may need immediate surgery or may be able to safely wait for months or years. The heart defect may be repaired in a single surgical procedure or may require a series of procedures. Surgery may involve opening the heart to repair defects inside the heart or repairing defects of the blood vessels outside the heart. Heart-lung bypass may be needed.