Atrial Septal Defect Closure
A medical technique called atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is performed to treat an opening in the septum, which separates the heart's two upper chambers (atria). Due to this flaw, blood that is low in oxygen can mingle with blood that is rich in oxygen, which could cause lung and cardiac issues. A less invasive catheter-based technique or surgery can be used to close an ASD. To close the hole, a tiny instrument called a catheter is introduced into the heart. By assisting in the restoration of regular blood flow, this technique helps avoid consequences such as heart failure or stroke.
About Atrial Septal Defect Closure
The primary course of treatment for atrial septal defect is surgery, which can be completed with conventional open-heart surgery or less invasive techniques including transcatheter closure. This procedure helps to avoid heart attacks and strokes, which are complications of ASD.
Risks and Benefits of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure
Benefits of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure
- Better Heart Function: By restoring regular blood flow between the heart’s chambers, ASD closure might lessen the strain on the organ. This aids in the prevention of future issues such as heart failure.
- Decreased Stroke Risk: One significant advantage is a decreased chance of blood clots traveling through the defect and causing a stroke.
- Improved Symptoms: Following the closure, a lot of patients report feeling better from symptoms including exhaustion, irregular heartbeats, and shortness of breath. A higher quality of life may result from this.
- Prevention of Pulmonary Hypertension: Sealing the defect lowers the chance of developing pulmonary hypertension, a potentially fatal illness in which the lungs become overly pressurized.
- Prevents Heart Enlargement: If left untreated, an ASD has the potential to grow the heart over time. By preventing this, closure preserves the health of the heart’s structure.
Risks of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure
- Bleeding or Infection: There is always a chance of bleeding or infection during surgery, but these are usually minimal.
- Heart Rhythm Issues: Following the procedure, some patients may experience irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias. These are typically transient conditions that can be controlled with medicine.
- Blood Clot Risk: Although they are uncommon, blood clots can develop following surgery and increase the risk of consequences including embolism or stroke.
- risks related to the device (if a closure device is being used): When a closure device is utilized, there’s a chance it could come loose, rip tissue, or trigger an allergic reaction.
- Surgical hazards: Complications with healing or anesthesia-related reactions are among the extra hazards associated with surgery.
Procedure of Atrial Septal Defect Closure
The treatment procedure for Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure is a complex procedure explained in the given steps.
Before the Procedure
- Consultation and Diagnosis: Speaking with a cardiologist is the initial step. Tests used to confirm the diagnosis of ASD and measure its severity include chest X-rays, MRIs, and echocardiograms.
- Anesthesia: A local or general anesthetic will be administered to you. During the procedure, general anesthesia is typically administered to keep you unconscious and pain-free.
- Pre-surgery Testing: To make sure you’re healthy enough for the surgery, blood tests and other heart-related assessments are performed.
- Fasting: You will be required to abstain from food and liquids for a few hours before to the procedure on the day of the treatment.
During the Procedure
- Catheter-Based Closure (Minimally Invasive):
- A small tube (catheter) is inserted through a blood vessel in your groin.
- The catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the heart.
- A closure device is inserted through the catheter and placed over the hole in the atrial septum (the wall between the heart’s upper chambers).
- The device expands to cover the defect and is left in place. Over time, heart tissue grows around the device, permanently sealing the hole.
- Surgical Closure (Open-Heart Surgery):
- If a catheter-based method is not feasible due to the size of the defect, open heart surgery is done.
- Your blood is kept flowing during the procedure using a heart-lung bypass machine while you are under general anesthesia.
- The surgeon creates a cut in the chest, opens the heart, and then closes the opening with sutures or a patch.
After the Procedure
- Recuperation in the Hospital: You might need to spend one or two days in the hospital following catheter-based closure. Recovery from surgical closure could take up to seven days.
- Following the procedure: blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are tracked. If a catheter-based closure was performed, you will need to lie flat for a few hours to allow the insertion site to heal.
- Pain and discomfort management: At the location of the catheter insertion or in the area surrounding the surgical incision on your chest, you might feel some little discomfort, bruising, or soreness. Medication for pain is given to assist.
- Increase in Activity Gradually: It will be suggested that you up your physical activity level gradually. Steer clear of demanding activities for a few weeks.
- Follow-Up Appointments: To guarantee the proper closure of the atrial septal defect, schedule routine examinations with your physician. An