What is the most common congenital heart defect?

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), particularly the perimembranous type, is indeed recognized as the most prevalent congenital heart defect. A VSD is characterized by an opening in the ventricular septum, which is the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, leading to increased pulmonary blood flow and potential complications over time.

The perimembranous VSD is the most commonly seen type because it arises in the area of the septum that is most prone to development errors during fetal growth. These defects can vary in size and may present different clinical manifestations, including heart murmurs or heart failure symptoms, depending on the degree of shunting and resultant pulmonary blood flow.

Understanding the prevalence of VSD is crucial for cardiovascular perfusion professionals, as it influences decisions regarding surgical interventions and the management of congenital heart disease. The other congenital defects listed, while important and encountered in clinical practice, occur less frequently than VSD, making it a key focus in both pediatric cardiology and perfusion fields.