Chapter 42.1, Problem 3CC

Summary Introduction

To explain: Why a surgery is needed for a baby born with an unclosed hole between the right atria and left atria of heart.

Concept introduction:

In normal human heart, the atria are separated by a thin inter-atrium septum. In the fetal heart, the septum has a small pore called foramen ovale. Normally, the foramen ovale closes at birth, when lungs become functional. In some cases, foramen ovale does not close properly, it is called a patent foramen ovale; a birth defect that requires surgery to rectify.