A total atrioventricular canal, also known as an atrioventricular septal defect, accounts for 2% of congenital heart diseases, and is associated with about 30% of Down's disease. In children with Down syndrome, 40% are associated with congenital hearts and 30% of congenital hearts with Down syndrome are atrioventricular canal lesions.

An atrioventricular channel is a defect in the atrioventricular septum and abnormal atrioventricular valves in the heart. The current total atrioventricular canal surgery differs in some details, but they all have a high probability of success, bringing back a stable life to the patient.