What is an Atrial Septal Defect?
ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT, or ASD, is a congenital anomaly of the heart and most ASD's are not serious and can be easily fixed.
During the normal development of a fetus, there is an opening, which persists between the two upper chambers of heart (the atria). This atrial opening normally closes after birth, and blood is pumped through the lungs and then to the left side of the heart, thus separating off the non-oxygenated and oxygenated blood for life. An abnormal formation of atrial opening can result in a hole that remains after birth, an ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT.
An opening between the heart chambers raises the risk of a blood clot migrating into the left sided heart circulation and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. This is one of the main reasons that ASD repair is recommended in adults, even without symptoms.
If atrial septal defects are diagnosed in adulthood, the defect is repaired. Rarely, the defect is left unrepaired if there’s pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). In adults, repair of a defect is very safe and effective as the surgery carries a very small risks. Our cardiologist can determine if the defect should be closed.
THE PROCEDURE
Repairs range from relatively simple operations to more complex procedures depending on the location, size, and characteristics of the ASD. Your surgeon shall decide which approach is appropriate for your condition.
