Not every ASD needs to be closed. If the ASD is quite small, most people can be followed with routine echocardiograms to evaluate for worsening heart problems. If blood flow through the ASD appears to be affecting the right side of the heart, patients should have their ASD closed.

Let’s review the types of ASD closures and then examine who should have their ASD closed.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) closure is a medical procedure to seal a hole in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers. Two main approaches are used: transcatheter closure and surgical closure. The choice depends on factors like defect size, location, patient age, health, and cardiac team expertise.

Transcatheter ASD closure is minimally invasive and preferred for suitable cases. Under anesthesia or sedation, a catheter is inserted through a vein, usually in the groin. Imaging guides a catheter-delivered closure device with two disks to seal the defect on either side of the septum. This method offers shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery, and minimal scarring.

Surgical ASD closure is necessary for larger defects or those unsuitable for the transcatheter approach. It involves open-heart surgery under general anesthesia. The patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine while the surgeon directly accesses the heart, closing the defect with sutures or a patch. This method allows the repair of very large ASDs and the simultaneous treatment of other heart conditions.

Post-procedure care involves close monitoring in a cardiac care unit. Transcatheter patients often return home within days, while surgical patients may need a longer hospital stay. Follow-up care includes periodic echocardiograms to ensure closure success.

Choosing an experienced cardiac team is crucial for ASD closure. Skilled cardiology clinics, such as CVG’s multiple Atlanta locations, offer state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in both techniques. We provide personalized treatment approaches, considering each patient’s unique case. Our team partners with patients throughout their care journey, from diagnosis to post-procedure follow-up, offering comprehensive and compassionate care.

Patients diagnosed with ASD or suspecting they may have one should consult with CVG. Early intervention is important for addressing this aspect of cardiovascular health.