How Do You Fix An Atrial Septal Defect?
A hole between the left and right atriums of the heart is called an atrial septal defect (ASD). The flow of blood from the higher pressure left side to the right side will cause the right side to enlarge along with other potential heart problems. The ASD can be repaired by having heart surgery through the chest wall or by a less invasive method with a catheter through a vein leading to the heart. Discuss the repair options with your cardiologist once the existence of an ASD has been confirmed with an echocardiogram. There are risks associated with either the surgical method or the catherization method. Determine if you are a candidate for the catherization method. If your heart does not have enough tissue around the hole to secure the umbrella-like device, you may not be able to undergo the catherization procedure. Review the benefits of the cardiac catherization procedure with your doctor. It is not necessary to cut through your chest wall, which leaves a long and permanent scar. With
