An atrial septal defect is a hole between the upper chambers of the heart that remains open after birth. It can lead to enlargement of the right side of heart, heart rhythm problems ( arrhythmias ) and increase in pressure of the blood vessels of lungs among others.
Who requires an ASD closure ?
If the hole is small, it may not cause any problems or need treatment. But if the ASD is large, it can cause symptoms and complications, like
- Shortness of breath
- Recurrent lung infections
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Enlargement of right side of heart
- Heart failure.
- High pressure in blood vessels of your lungs (pulmonary artery hypertension).
How is an ASD closed ?
ASD can be closed surgically (open heart surgery: defect is covered by a patch or directly closed with sutures i.e stitches) or non -surgically (catheter based device closure through the leg veins.) .