In that case, the only abnormal finding is a loud murmur. Closing these small defects with surgery may not be needed. In fact, they often close on their own. But if the opening is large, open-heart surgery is recommended to close it and prevent serious problems. Babies with ventricular septal defect may develop severe symptoms or high blood pressure in the lungs.
Early repair is often necessary.
The repair may be delayed in other babies. Closing a large septal defect by open-heart surgery usually is done in infancy or childhood even in patients with few symptoms. Doing so prevents complications later. Usually the defect is so large that a cloth patch is sewn over it to close it completely. Later this patch is covered by the normal heart lining tissue and becomes a permanent part of the heart.