Canal defect (also known as AV Septal defect) mean there is a large hole in the area where septum between two receiving and pumping chambers meet. In partial defect only there is deficiency in the lower part of receiving chamber (atrium). In complete defect there is deficiency in both. There is also associated defect in valves guarding atrium and ventricle. Instead of two separate valves there is only one common valve.

What are the symptoms

This defect results in too much blood flow to the lungs which leads to a situation called pulmonary hypertension The child does not grow well and has breathing difficulty in early days of childhood. They fail to thrive and presents very early for medical attention. This defect is frequently associated with Down’s syndrome.

The defects are closed by using a two patch (dacron & pericardial) and in this process two valves are separated. It is done in early few months of life. Both using two different patches closes the Septal defects and in this process two valves are separated. It is also necessary to repair the left sided valve (mitral valve).

Prognosis

If these defects are closed in early childhood and if there is no Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension the child will grow normally.