Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Minimally invasive treatment options for congenital heart defects

Dr. Sunil Rayan, a Scripps vascular surgeon, smiles during a conversation with a patient, representing care at Scripps for congenital heart defects.

Dr. Sunil Rayan, Vascular Surgery, Scripps

Minimally invasive treatment options for congenital heart defects

Nationally recognized physicians at Scripps in San Diego provide comprehensive medical management for patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). Because of the complexity of each type of congenital heart defect, it’s important to have the right team of expert cardiologists and physicians, including electrophysiologists, radiologists, interventional cardiologists, heart failure specialists and cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons.


Scripps cardiologists help patients manage CHD through diagnosis, coordination of care and referrals to partner providers in San Diego and the region.

About congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defects are present at birth and related to structural problems of the heart. While many defects can be treated successfully during childhood, adults often need additional consultations, procedures or medications later in life.


Also known as congenital heart failure, CHD may be first identified after a patient has been found to have a heart murmur, which is an abnormal sound of blood moving inside or near the heart as it beats. Not all heart murmurs are serious, but they can be an indication of an underlying heart condition, including congenital defects.

Common types of adult congenital heart defects

Long-term problems associated with congenital heart defects can include difficulty exercising, abnormal heart rhythms, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest and stroke.


Types of adult congenital heart defects managed and treated at Scripps or through partners include:

Less common types of adult congenital heart defects

Less common types of adult congenital heart defects managed and treated at Scripps or through partners include: