Atrail Septal Defect Treatment

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.

Test Available for Diagnosis

Tests that help diagnose an atrial septal defect (ASD) include:

• Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart, helping to detect the hole and assess its size.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart's electrical activity and identifies irregular rhythms.
• Chest X-ray: Shows the size and shape of the heart and lungs, detecting any enlargement caused by ASD.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the heart to assess blood flow and heart structure.
• Cardiac Catheterization: Involves inserting a catheter to measure heart pressure and oxygen levels.

The treatment for Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) depends on the size and location of the defect, as well as the patient’s overall health. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to how the procedure is generally performed, from start to finish:

Before the Procedure:

1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:

   • The doctor performs tests like echocardiograms or MRIs to confirm the ASD.
   • Based on the size and type of ASD, the doctor decides whether surgery or catheter-based repair is needed.

2. Pre-Procedure Preparations:

   • The patient is advised to stop taking certain medications (like blood thinners) days before surgery.
   • The patient should not eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure.
   • Anesthesia options are discussed, and blood tests may be performed to ensure fitness for surgery.

During the Procedure:

1. Catheter-Based Repair (For small to medium-sized defects):

   • The patient is given anesthesia to remain asleep during the procedure.
   • A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through a vein in the groin and guided to the heart.
   • Through the catheter, a device (like a patch or plug) is placed over the hole in the atrial septum.
   • The catheter is then removed, and the hole is closed over time as the tissue grows over the device.

2. Surgical Repair (For large or complex defects):

   • The patient is put under general anesthesia.
   • The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart and uses a heart-lung machine to maintain circulation.
   • The hole in the septum is closed using stitches or a patch made of tissue.
   • The heart is then restarted, and the chest is closed.

After the Procedure:

1. Recovery:

   • After catheter-based repair, the patient may stay in the hospital for a day or two, with a quicker recovery time.
   • After surgery, recovery takes longer, usually involving several days in the hospital.
   • The patient may experience soreness, fatigue, or mild pain.

2. Follow-up:

   • The doctor will schedule follow-up visits to monitor heart function and ensure proper healing.
   • Medications may be prescribed to prevent infection or blood clots.
   • Regular check-ups and heart scans (echocardiograms) are done to monitor the success of the repair and overall heart health.