Atrial and ventricular septal defects are the most common congenital heart lesions; accounting for up to 40% of all congenital cardiac malformations. Advanced imaging techniques enable accurate diagnosis, with excellent prognosis seen in routine surgical corrections conducted across many specialist cardiac hospitals. But should we close all septal defects? Or should we maintain patency of a septal defect in some?

This talk will explore the conditions in which septal defects permit the maintenance of optimal physiology.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Rebecca Macrae is a Cardiac Scientist and lead physiologist for Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Echocardiography at Barts Heart Centre, London. A specialist service that cares for over 15,000 ACHD patients following their transition of care from the Great Ormand Street Hospital. Rebecca has a specific interest in the history and evolution of treatment for congenital heart disease, with the education of Cardiac Scientists and Cardiology Registrars of Barts Health NHS trust forming an integral part of Rebecca's professional role.