ASD Closure — Closing an Atrial Septal Defect

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital opening between the atria; through it blood flows from the left atrium to the right and over time places an extra load on the right side of the heart. With suitable anatomy, the opening is closed without open surgery, through the blood vessels: using a catheter introduced via the femoral vein, a special double-disc device — an occluder — is deployed on both sides of the defect and covers it.

• The procedure is performed under X-ray and echocardiographic guidance
• The chest is not opened; there are no stitches or large scar
• Suitability is determined by echocardiography based on the size and rims of the defect