Which surgical intervention is often required for critical congenital heart defects?

Open-heart surgery is often required for critical congenital heart defects because these defects typically involve significant structural abnormalities of the heart that cannot be effectively repaired through less invasive methods. Congenital heart defects can obstruct blood flow, disrupt normal heart function, or lead to complications such as heart failure if not corrected. Open-heart surgery allows for direct access to the heart, enabling surgeons to repair or reconstruct the heart chambers, valves, and great vessels as necessary.

This type of surgery is crucial in managing conditions like tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and atrioventricular septal defects, among others. By performing open-heart surgery, cardiothoracic surgeons can create a more normal anatomy and improve the hemodynamic status of the patient, which is vital for their survival and long-term health.

Other surgical options, such as heart transplants and coronary artery bypass grafting, are not typically first-line treatments for congenital defects. Heart transplants are reserved for cases where the heart is too damaged for repair, while coronary artery bypass grafting is relevant to acquired heart disease, particularly in adults. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is advancing but may not be suitable for the complex repairs often needed in critical congenital heart defects.