An opening between the upper heart chambers exists at birth in every child. A typical fetal hole permits blood to divert away from the lungs prior to birth. The aperture becomes unnecessary after delivery and typically closes or shrinks within a few weeks or months.

The aperture may occasionally be greater than usual and not close completely after delivery. The cause is unknown in the majority of kids. Along with ASD, some kids may also have additional heart conditions.

The right side of the heart only normally pumps blood to the lungs, while the left side only pumps blood to the body. Blood can pass through the opening between the left upper heart chamber (left atrium) and the right upper chamber (right atrium) in a child with ASD and exit into the lung arteries.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect where there is a hole in the wall that separates the upper two chambers of the heart. If the hole is large, it can cause blood to flow from the left atrium to the right atrium, increasing the workload of the right side of the heart. If left untreated, this can lead to heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other complications. Here are the general steps involved in the surgical procedure to repair an ASD:

Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to put them to sleep and prevent them from feeling pain during the procedure.

Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision in the chest and separates the breastbone to access the heart.

Cardiopulmonary bypass: The patient is connected to a heart-lung machine, which takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure.

Repair: The surgeon uses a patch or suture to close the hole in the atrial septum. The patch can be made of a synthetic material or tissue from the patient or a donor.

Closure: Once the repair is complete, the surgeon removes the heart-lung machine and the incision is closed with sutures or staples.

Recovery: The patient is closely monitored in the hospital for a few days to ensure that the heart is functioning properly and to manage any pain or complications. They may be given medication to prevent blood clots and antibiotics to prevent infection.

The surgical procedure to repair an ASD can also be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which involve smaller incisions and less disruption to the surrounding tissue. The specific approach used will depend on the size and location of the defect, as well as the patient's medical history and overall health. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for each individual case.