Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a defect between the two upper heart chambers (the atria). This defect allows mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, eventually causing right heart enlargement and high pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Moderate- to large-sized Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) causing right heart dilatation and raised pressure in the lungs should be closed. Closure can be performed either via percutaneous method using devices (through the femoral vein) or through open-heart surgery.
Small Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) with no chamber enlargement, raised lung pressure or other complications needs only to be followed up at the clinic.
This procedure is performed to close the ASD by inserting a device through the blood vessels in the groin (percutaneous transcatheter approach) which will close the ASD.
Many babies born with atrial septal defects do not exhibit signs and symptoms. In adults, signs or symptoms usually begin by age 30, depending on the size of the defect and the flow across. However, for some cases, the signs and symptoms may not occur until years later.
Signs and symptoms of Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) may include:
Doctors know that heart defects present at birth (congenital) arise from errors early in the heart's development, but there's often no clear cause. Genetics and environmental factors may play a role.
If your doctor suspects you have a heart defect, your doctor may request one or more of the following tests:
The defect can be closed percutaneously by inserting a device through the blood vessels in the groin (percutaneous transcatheter approach) or via surgical repair. The choice of treatment depends on the size of the defect and the presence of pulmonary hypertension. After the defect is closed, the patient will need regular follow up with a cardiologist.
The procedure usually takes between 1 and 2 hours and the success rate is about 95%. However, there are known risks involved. The risks and their estimated incidence of occurrence are:
Patients with small Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) seldom develop any complications. However patients with moderate- to large-sized defects may develop irregular heart rhythm, heart pump failure and high pressure in the lung. These patients may need additional medications to treat these complications.
Some of these complications, if they do occur, are of a serious nature and may require further treatment including surgery and prolonged hospitalisation. In the event of device dislodgement, you may require surgery for removal of the device and closure of the hole at the same time.
Not all types of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) are suitable for device closure. You will need to have a detailed echocardiogram scan including both transthoracic echocardiogram as well as a transoesophageal echocardiogram to assess if your defect is suitable for closure. Defects which do not have sufficient rims for the device to sit safely, are too near to other heart structures such as veins, valves and very large (more than 3.6cm) may not be suitable for device closure and may be better treated with surgery.
The incident of IE in congenital patient is higher than general population. Therefore, it is important for congenital patient to maintain good oral, dental and skin hygiene as primary prevention. Cosmetic tattooing and piercing are discouraged due to the risk of IE. Antibiotic prophylaxis is considered for patient at highest risk for IE before surgery and dental procedures. Please discuss with your congenital team for the latest update on the antibiotic prophylaxis.
This procedure for device closure for Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is performed in the cardiac catheterisation lab. You will be given an anaesthetic which may be general (GA) or local (LA) depending on the technique used. In most cases, this procedure is performed under general anaesthetic (GA) which is given by a qualified anaesthetist. Once anaesthetised, an imaging probe (TEE) will be passed into your gullet (oesophagus) for accurate sizing of the ASD and to assist during deployment of the device. You will lie on an X-ray table and an X-ray camera will move over your chest during the procedure. A plastic catheter (a long tube) will be inserted via a vein in the groin and navigated until it reaches the heart.
Sometimes (depending on individual case), the catheter is positioned at different chambers of your heart to measure the pressure and oxygen content prior to device closure. In certain circumstances, balloon sizing of the ASD may be required. Once your doctor is satisfied with all the measurements, the appropriate size device is connected onto a cable, put into a special delivery tube, advanced through your ASD and carefully deployed. Your doctor will study the device’s position and stability before releasing the device. The catheter and imaging probe are removed and the procedure is completed.
Activity restrictions are unnecessary unless there are associated problems that you and your cardiologist have discussed. However, after ASD device closure, patients will be advised to refrain from strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least six months.
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