What is an AV canal?

An AV canal, or atrioventricular canal, refers to a congenital heart defect characterized by a septal defect that connects both the atria as well as both the ventricles. In this condition, there is a lack of proper division between the chambers of the heart, resulting in a single common atrium and a single common ventricle rather than distinct left and right chambers. This anomaly leads to mixed blood flow—oxygenated and deoxygenated blood—between the two sides of the heart, which can significantly affect circulation and oxygen delivery to the body.

The presence of both atrial and ventricular connections allows for blood to flow abnormally between these chambers, which can lead to complications such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension if not addressed through intervention. Understanding this condition is crucial for recognizing its implications and guiding treatment approaches, which may include surgical repair to create separate atrial and ventricular chambers.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature of an AV canal; one focuses solely on the atria, another on valve issues, and the last on a blockage issue. Understanding the comprehensive nature of an AV canal helps clarify why it represents a more complex defect involving both atria and ventricles collectively.