1. Embryology of the heart involves formation of the heart tube from mesoderm layers, cardiac looping and septation to form the four chambers. 2. Congenital heart defects can occur during development and include ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, atrioventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, bicuspid valves, and tetralogy of Fallot. 3. The size and severity of congenital heart defects determine whether surgical intervention is needed to correct abnormalities and prevent long term complications.