Continuing Education Activity
An aortopulmonary or septal defect/aortopulmonary window is one of the rarest congenital heart defects. This defect develops embryologically when there is incomplete septation of the great arteries. It can occur in isolation or as part of a greater syndrome involving multiple cardiac defects. Untreated aortopulmonary septal defects commonly cause morbidity and mortality. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of aortopulmonary septal defects and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in caring for patients with this condition.
Objectives:
- Describe the pathophysiology of aortopulmonary septal defects as the cause of congestive heart failure in infants.
- Review the epidemiology of patients diagnosed with aortopulmonary septal defects.
- Describe the evaluation of a patient with a probable aortopulmonary septal defect.
- Describe the importance of collaboration and communication amongst interprofessional team members to enhance the delivery of care and improve outcomes for patients affected by aortopulmonary septal defects.