Congential heart defects are the most common birth defect in the U.S., affecting approximately 1 in every 110 (about 40,000) babies each year. Some congenital heart defects in children are simple and don't need treatment. Other congenital heart defects are more complex and may require several surgeries performed over a period of several years.

This special edition of the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast features an #AskMayoMom episode, which is hosted by Dr. Angela Mattke, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. Joining Dr. Mattke to discuss cardiovascular surgery is Dr. Elizabeth Stephens, a Mayo Clinic pediatric cardiovascular surgeon.