Jack has an echocardiogram performed. The investigation shows that Jack has a ventricular-septal defect. This is a hole in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. It is one of the most common congenital heart defects.
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Based on the results of the echocardiogram, the cardiologist concludes that Jack will require surgery to repair the hole in his cardiac septum.
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Scene 1:
The cardiologist explains to Jack’s parents the results of Jack’s test and that he will need surgery. This takes place in the consultant’s office.
Cardiologist: So, as you know, we did the echocardiagram to see whether Jack had something wrong with his heart. The test has confirmed that Jack has what we call a ventricular -septal defect – something you might have heard called a “hole in the heart”. This means more blood flows into Jack’s lungs than normal. This increased blood flow to the lungs returns back to the left heart chamber resulting in increased work for Jack’s heart.
Scene 2:
Mother: Why did Jack get this? Is it something I did wrong when I was pregnant?
Cardiologist: No, for most children with this condtions, there is no known cause. It happend before Jack was born, when he was still developing inside the womb.
Scene 3:
Father: What happens now, then? Is this something that can be sorted?
Cardiologist: I think the best treatment for Jack would be to have his hole repaired by a heart operation. Once repaired, his heart should function normally.
Scene 4:
Mother: But he’s so little! How long will he have to be in hospital for? Will I be able to stay with him?
Cardiologist: You can certainly stay with him while he is in hospital. He will probably be in intensive care for a couple of days and then go to a normal ward for about a week before he is discharged home. I”ll ask one of the cardiac liason nurses to meet you and, if possible show you round, so that you can see what it is like before Jack goes there. The nurse will also be able to answer any questions that you might have and will give you some information to look at.
Scene 5:
Father: What about after his operation, when he gets bigger? Will he be able to lead a normal life?
Cardiologist: Yes. If Jack has his defect successfully repaired he will be able to lead a normal life. We will keep an eye on him and review him regularly until he is about eighteen, just to make sure that everything is okay.
Scene 6:
The nurse arrives.
Parents: Thank you, doctor.
Cardiologist: If you require any further information please just ask. We”ll be in touch once we have a date for Jack’s operation.
Pulse point
Jack’s mum had a routine pre-natal anomaly scan at 18 weeks but no cardiac defects were detected. Not all ventricular-septal defects are picked up on scan.
