Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Treatment in Delhi, India

Symptoms that do occur may begin at any time after birth through childhood, and can include:

• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) 
• Frequent respiratory infections in children
• A sensation of feeling the heartbeat in adults 
• Shortness of breath

In the vast majority, babies born with ASD will have no symptoms. However, 5-10 % of babies with moderate to large defects may need surgery at infancy due to the occurrence of heart failure. If not treated, by the age of 30-40 years, signs of palpitation develop. In some patients, by this time, irreversible changes occur in the pulmonary arteries, which make the ASD inoperable. Such a condition is called Eisenmenger syndrome.

The Paediatric Cardiology Department at Max Hospitals is one of the finest child care centres in India ‘Where Children Come First’. Our state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) provides complete care and support to critically ill children. Our General Paediatrics experts specialize in treating a range of newborn problems, issues, and conditions, including Atrial Septal Defect.

We are a one-stop destination for childcare services that include paediatric surgical, paediatric, and immunization services for children aged up to 16 years. We have a team of experienced paediatricians and paediatric surgeons who specialize in paediatric surgery, paediatric orthopaedics, paediatric endocrinology, paediatric cardiology & cardiac surgery, paediatric pulmonology, paediatric nephrology, paediatric oncology, paediatric haematology, developmental specialists, and adolescent paediatrics.

To take care of your children, our pediatricians will:

• Perform physical exams
• Make sure the child meets milestones in growth, behaviour, and skills
• Diagnose and treat the child's infections, illnesses, health problems, and other injuries
• Provide information about the child's health, nutrition, safety as well as fitness needs
• Answer questions about the child’s development and growth
• Refer the child to specialists if they think the child requires expert care

The Paediatric Cardiology Department at Max Healthcare provides all non-invasive diagnostic and paediatric cardiac interventional services. Surgery and device closure are done routinely at extremely low risks (less than 1%). Sinus Venosus and Primum defects are generally closed by surgery, while most Secundum defects can be closed without surgery.

Our treatment options for Atrial Septal Defect include:

Cardiac catheterization: A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and guided to the heart. Through the catheter, a mesh patch or plug is put into place to close the hole. The heart tissue grows around the mesh, permanently sealing the hole

Open-heart surgery: This type of surgery is done under general anaesthesia and requires the use of a heart-lung machine. Through an incision in the chest, surgeons use patches or stitches to close the hole. Such minimally invasive heart surgery where the incision is very small (4 - 5 cm long) is also called Keyhole surgery.

What is an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

An ASD is a congenital heart defect where there's a hole in the atrial septum, the wall separating the heart's two upper chambers, the left and right atria.

How common is ASD?

ASD is one of the most common congenital heart defects, accounting for around 10% of all congenital heart anomalies.

What causes ASD?

The exact cause is often unknown, but genetic factors and environmental influences during fetal development are thought to play a role.

What are the types of ASD?

ASDs are classified into three types: secundum, primum, and sinus venosus defects, based on the location of the hole in the atrial septum.

What are the symptoms of ASD?

Small ASDs might have no symptoms, but larger ones can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and even heart failure over time.

How is ASD diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes physical examination, listening to heart sounds, echocardiography (ultrasound), electrocardiography (ECG), and possibly cardiac catheterization.

Can ASD close on its own?

Small ASDs might spontaneously close during childhood. However, larger ones usually require intervention.

How is ASD treated?

Depending on the size and type of ASD, surgical repair or catheter-based procedures (transcatheter closure) are common treatment options.

What is transcatheter closure?

Transcatheter closure involves threading a catheter through blood vessels to the heart and then deploying a device to close the ASD without open-heart surgery.

Can adults have ASD closure?

Yes, adults with ASD can often have transcatheter or surgical closure, even if the condition wasn't treated during childhood.

What are the long-term effects of untreated ASD?

Untreated ASDs can lead to complications such as arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, and heart failure due to increased blood flow to the lungs.

Is exercise restricted for individuals with ASD?

Moderate exercise is generally safe for those with small, well-tolerated ASDs. However, it is crucial to consult a cardiologist before engaging in intense physical activities.

Can ASD recur after surgical closure?

Recurrence is rare after successful surgical closure, but it can happen if the initial repair isn't thorough.

Can pregnancy be risky with an ASD?

Pregnancy can pose risks due to increased blood volume and stress on the heart. Consultation with a cardiologist and obstetrician is important.

What's the prognosis after ASD closure?

With successful closure, most individuals can lead normal lives. Regular follow-ups are recommended to monitor heart function.

Is antibiotic prophylaxis needed before dental procedures?

Current guidelines usually do not recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis for ASD patients prior to dental procedures, but individual cases may vary.

Can ASD lead to other heart problems?

Untreated ASDs can lead to conditions like atrial arrhythmias and enlargement of the heart chambers, especially the right ventricle.

How does ASD affect blood circulation?

ASD allows oxygenated blood from the left atrium to mix with deoxygenated blood in the right atrium, increasing the workload on the right side of the heart.

What are the advancements in ASD treatment?

Advancements include minimally invasive techniques, improved closure devices, and a better understanding of long-term outcomes through research.

Can ASD be prevented?

Prevention isn't always possible due to the multifactorial nature of congenital heart defects. Prenatal care and avoiding certain risk factors during pregnancy may reduce the risk.

Review 

Reviewed By Dr Praneesh Arora - Senior Director Interventional Cardiology, Cardiac Sciences on 26 Oct  2024.