An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart condition in which a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart’s upper chambers (atria) exists. ASD closure is a medical procedure designed to seal this hole, improving heart function and preventing potential complications.

ASD closure can be performed through two main approaches: transcatheter closure and surgical closure. In Atlanta, our experienced cardiologists are skilled in both techniques, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment for their specific condition.

This minimally invasive procedure has become the preferred method for many ASD cases, especially those with suitable anatomy. Here’s how it’s typically performed:

• At the start of the procedure, the patient is either given general anesthesia or conscious sedation.
• A catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube, is put into a vein, usually in the groin.
• With fluoroscopy and echocardiography, the cardiologist carefully threads the catheter through the blood vessels and into the heart.
• A specialized closure device is compressed and passed through the catheter.
• Once positioned correctly, the device is deployed, with one disk opening on each side of the septum, effectively sealing the defect.
• The cardiologist ensures proper placement and checks for any residual leaking before removing the catheter.
• Over time, heart tissue grows over the device, permanently sealing the defect.

This minimally invasive approach typically allows for shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and minimal scarring compared to open-heart surgery.

For larger ASDs or those not suitable for transcatheter closure, open-heart surgery may be necessary. Here’s an overview of this procedure:

• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
• The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart.
• The patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure.
• The surgeon opens the heart and directly visualizes the ASD.
• The defect is closed, either by directly suturing it closed or by applying a patch made of the patient’s own tissue or synthetic material.
• After ensuring the closure is complete and secure, the surgeon closes the incision.
• The patient is gradually weaned off the bypass machine as the heart resumes its normal function.

While more invasive, this method allows for the repair of very large ASDs and the simultaneous treatment of other heart conditions if present.

After either procedure, patients are closely monitored in a cardiac care unit. Recovery time varies, with transcatheter patients often able to return home within a day or two, while surgical patients may require a hospital stay of several days. Follow-up care, including periodic echocardiograms, ensures the continued success of the closure.

Our expertise in ASD closure, combined with our commitment to patient-centered care, makes us the ideal choice for your heart health needs. Don’t wait to address this important aspect of your cardiovascular wellbeing; contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier heart.

Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.

You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.

To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.