A. Štrumpfl
Služba za kardiologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

K. Vodušek
Služba za kardiologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

A. Skok
Služba za kardiologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

J. Pačarič
Služba za kardiologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

A congenital heart defect is an irregularity that occurs during the development of the heart and large vessels. It can be simple or complex. Certain congenital heart defects disappear spontaneously, while others require a series of interventions throughout the patient’s lifetime. Congenital heart defects are mostly treated surgically, although, in recent years, surgery is increasingly being replaced by catheter therapy. In Slovenia, each year between 80 and 100 children are born with congenital heart defects that require surgery. At the Paediatric Clinic in Ljubljana, special attention is paid to the care of children born with congenital heart defects. The healthcare of a child with a congenital heart defect is very complex and is based on a comprehensive and individual healthcare plan.

Key words: congenital heart defect, nurse, child, nursing, heart.