Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Overview

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect that occurs when there is a hole in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria. This hole allows blood to flow between the two atria, which can lead to an overload of blood in the right atrium and ventricle.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an ASD may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain or discomfort

Causes

The exact cause of ASD is not always clear, but it often occurs due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. In some cases, ASD can run in families, suggesting that genes may play a role. Certain factors during pregnancy, like exposure to alcohol, drugs, or infections, might also increase the risk of ASD. However, in many instances, the cause is not identified, and it happens without any known reason.

Treatment Options

Surgical interventions

Surgical interventions for ASDs are typically performed to close the hole in the atrial septum and prevent further complications. The type of surgery performed depends on the size and location of the ASD, as well as the individual’s overall health.

Types of Surgical Interventions

There are several types of surgical interventions that may be performed to treat an ASD, including:

  • Open-heart surgery: This is a traditional surgical approach that involves making an incision in the chest and using a heart-lung machine to bypass the heart and lungs during the procedure.
  • Minimally invasive surgery: This is a less invasive surgical approach that involves making smaller incisions in the chest and using specialized instruments to close the ASD.
  • Catheter-based procedures: These are minimally invasive procedures that involve using a catheter to close the ASD. The catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the heart, where a device is deployed to close the ASD.
  • Transcatheter closure: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a catheter to deploy a device that closes the ASD.

Surgical Techniques

There are several surgical techniques that may be used to close an ASD, including:

  • Patch closure: This involves using a patch to close the ASD. The patch is made of a synthetic material and is sewn into place to cover the hole.
  • Suture closure: This involves using sutures to close the ASD. The sutures are used to sew the edges of the hole together.
  • Device closure: This involves using a device to close the ASD. The device is deployed through a catheter and is designed to close the hole.

Patient Success Stories

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care for children with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Here’s why families trust us:

“Our daughter was diagnosed with an ASD, and we were worried about her future. But the team at Gertrude's Children's Hospital was amazing - they explained everything to us and made sure our daughter received the best possible care. The surgery was a success, and our daughter is now thriving.”

Sarah parent of a child with an ASD

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with ASD surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. However, these risks are rare and can be minimized with proper care and follow-up.

The recovery process for ASD surgery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the individual's overall health and the type of surgery performed.

While there is no sure way to prevent ASDs, some cases may be prevented by avoiding exposure to certain environmental factors during pregnancy.

Contact Us

If you suspect that your child may have an ASD, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our pediatric cardiology team. Our experts are here to provide you and your child with the best possible care and treatment.

Contact us today to learn more about our Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) treatment options.

Book Appointment