ASD Closure Procedure: Advanced Heart Care at TX Hospitals
What is ASD Closure?
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart condition where there is an abnormal hole in the septum (the wall) that separates the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria). Most babies are born with a small opening in this septum that typically closes shortly after birth. However, in some cases, a larger hole persists, causing complications such as excess blood flow into the right side of the heart and lungs.
Types of Atrial Septal Defect
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) – Most common, often closes after birth but may remain open.
- Ostium Secundum ASD – The second most common type, located in the middle of the septum.
- Ostium Primum ASD – Lower part of the septum, often associated with other heart defects.
- Sinus Venosus ASD – Rare, near the upper part of the septum, linked with abnormal pulmonary vein drainage.
- Coronary Sinus ASD – Very rare, involves a defect between the coronary sinus and left atrium.
ASD Closure is a procedure to repair or close this hole and prevent complications that may arise from the abnormal blood flow.
Who Needs ASD Closure?
If the Atrial Septal Defect is small, it might not cause any symptoms and could close on its own. However, larger defects or untreated ASDs can lead to serious complications such as:
- Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
- Enlarged heart
- Heart failure
- Hypertension of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
- Shortness of breath
- Stroke
ASD closure may be recommended for individuals who are at risk of these complications or if the condition is already causing symptoms. Early closure, particularly in children, prevents long-term heart damage.
How does ASD Closure work?
At TX Hospitals, we specialize in ASD closure with the expertise of leading heart surgeons for ASD repair, offering both traditional and minimally invasive options for heart patients.
- Open Heart Surgery (Traditional Method): If the ASD is large or complicated, a heart surgeon may need to perform open-heart surgery. This involves making an incision in the chest to directly access the heart. The hole may be stitched shut, or a patch (made of synthetic material or the patient’s own heart tissue) is sewed over the defect.
- Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure (Minimally Invasive): This less invasive method involves inserting a catheter through a little groin incision for minor ASDs. A closure device is positioned over the hole after the catheter has been guided to the heart. Compared to open surgery, this method frequently leads to a quicker recovery and fewer complications.
Procedure Steps:
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered for both surgical and catheter-based procedures.
Surgical ASD Closure:
- The surgeon creates an incision in the chest to reach the heart.
- A heart-lung machine may be used to assist circulation during the procedure.Â
- Either a patch or sutures are used to seal the ASD.
Transcatheter ASD Closure:
- A catheter is guided to the heart after being placed into a vein in the groin.
- Inserting the closure device into the defect seals the hole.
Post-Procedure Monitoring:
Following the procedure, the medical team will do imaging tests and continuously check vital signs to ensure a smooth closure. Typically, a hospital stay of 1-2 days is required after a catheter-based procedure, and 3-5 days for open surgery.
Benefits of ASD Closure
- Improved Heart Function: The closure helps normalize blood flow, reducing the strain on the heart and lungs.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Closing the ASD can reduce the risk of stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: By preventing further damage to the heart and lungs, this procedure can improve symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.
Risks and Complications of ASD Closure
- Even though this surgery is usually safe, there are still hazards involved:
- Bleeding (which may require a transfusion)
- Infection at the incision or around the closure device
- Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
- Kidney failure (rare)
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Damage to heart tissue or veins
Recovery and Lifestyle Modifications
Post-Operative Care:
- After surgical closure, patients typically remain in the hospital for 3-5 days for recovery.
- For catheter-based procedures, recovery may be shorter, with many patients discharged within 24 hours.
- Patients should avoid strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks following surgery.
Incision Care:
- Keep the incision area clean and dry. Showering is allowed, but avoids soaking the area in water until fully healed.
- Avoid heavy lifting or intense physical activity that could strain the heart.
Medications:
- Patients may need to take blood thinners to prevent clots for several months post-procedure.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed, especially before dental procedures.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet that is high in fiber and protein and low in fat and sodium.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol to promote healing.
- Gradually increase physical activity, starting with short walks, and aim to walk several times a day.
- Regular follow-up visits are crucial for monitoring heart function.
Return to Activities:
- Most patients can return to normal activities 6-8 weeks after the procedure. However, avoid intense physical exertion until cleared by a healthcare provider.
When to Call a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat (fluttering feeling in the chest)
- Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus from the incision site)
- Fainting or confusion
Conclusion
ASD closure significantly reduces the risk of complications associated with an atrial septal defect, leading to a better quality of life and longer-term heart health. Whether done via minimally invasive techniques or surgery, the procedure offers excellent outcomes and relatively quick recovery. Regular follow-up care is essential to ensure that the heart continues to function well after the closure.
Why choose TX hospitals for ASD Closure Procedure
At TX Hospitals, best heart hospital in Hyderabad, we provide comprehensive cardiac care led by experienced cardiologists and surgeons. We use state-of-the-art technology for both Transcatheter and surgical ASD closure procedures, ensuring safety, precision, and excellent patient outcomes. Our minimally invasive approach often allows for faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
FAQ's
Yes, it permanently repairs the defect, and follow-up care ensures no complications.
Yes, adults with untreated or large ASDs can benefit from closure to prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.
Transcatheter Closure: Recovery in 1-2 weeks.
Surgical Closure: Recovery in 6-8 weeks.
Avoid intense physical activity, heavy lifting, and soaking the incision area for 6-8 weeks.
Yes, transcatheter closure is a minimally invasive option, but suitability depends on the defect’s type and size.
TX Hospitals provides expert cardiologists, advanced techniques, and personalized care to ensure safe procedures and quick recovery.