A variety of surgical procedures can be performed to repair the many types of heart defects that may be present at birth (congenital defects). Heart surgery is done to correct such defects to the greatest extent possible and to improve the flow of blood and oxygen to the body. While congenital heart defects vary in their severity, most require surgery.

Surgery is recommended for defects that result in a lack of oxygen, a poor quality of life, or a child who does not gain sufficient weight. Some types of congenital heart defects that cause no symptoms are nonetheless treated surgically because they can lead to serious complications.

There are many types of congenital heart defects. Most obstruct the flow of blood in the heart, or the vessels near it, or cause abnormal blood flow through the heart. Rarer types include...