Parents rarely ask for a “procedure.”

They ask:

“Will my child be able to live a normal life?”

Congenital heart disease ranges from relatively simple defects to complex conditions requiring staged surgery and/or catheter-based intervention.

The 2025 ACC/AHA congenital heart guideline recognizes the role of both surgical and transcatheter interventions for selected congenital conditions.

❓ Can congenital heart defects be repaired?

Many can be repaired or palliated, depending on the specific defect.

❓ Does every child need surgery?

No.

The earlier the diagnosis is understood, the clearer the treatment pathway becomes.