St Vincents Private Hospitals

Atrial septal defect closure is a medical procedure to repair an abnormal opening in the wall of the upper heart chambers. This is known as an atrial septal defect (ASD). If this structural defect has not naturally closed up within a certain timeframe, your doctor may recommend surgery to prevent future health complications. ASD closure can be performed using minimally invasive techniques or as open surgery depending on the size and location of the hole, with a special closing device or stitches to seal the hole shut. 

What does it do?

Atrial septal defect closure is a surgical treatment to repair a structural heart problem, and to help prevent future health complications. If the hole in the heart wall is small, it may not cause any symptoms or problems. If the ASD is large enough so that blood can leak in between the upper heart chambers, this can put additional pressure on the heart and lungs and cause increased health complications. Atrial septal defect closure surgery reduces the risk of symptoms and complications that are commonly associated with a hole in the heart such as arrythmia, stroke, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.  

How does it work?

Atrial septal defects are present from birth and are a structural problem that typically occurs during development in the womb. Whilst they may often close up shortly after birth, in some cases patients are born with a large hole that does not close properly. This can lead to blood leaking into the wrong chamber and associated health complications. Once the ASD has been diagnosed using various tests such as an echocardiogram, chest X-ray, ECG (electrocardiogram), and CT scanning, your doctor may recommend surgical closure. A mesh patch or closure device is passed through to the heart using a catheter, or applied through open heart surgery. Heart tissue then naturally grows around the hole which permanently seals it closed as it becomes a natural part of the heart wall.