Get Your Personalised Treatment Plan in Just 24 Hours.

Share your details to receive a personalised treatment plan, estimated costs, hospital recommendations, and expert guidance, “completely free.”

Your information is protected with HIPAA-compliant security standards. We only share your details with hospitals after your consent.

Country

Cost

Local_currency

South Africa

USD 5000

95150

United Arab Emirates

USD 10150

37250

Thailand

USD 21500

766475

Poland

USD 6000

24240

Turkey

USD 8000

241120

Atrial Septal Defect is a congenital heart defect in which there is a hole in the wall (septum) between the upper chambers of the heart (atria). This hole allows blood to flow between the atria, which leads to increased blood flow to the lungs. While small ASDs may not cause any significant concerns, whereas larger ones may require medical attention, such as surgical repair, to prevent complications.

The main reason for atrial septal defects remains elusive, manifesting as an alteration in the heart's structure during fetal development. The intricate process of the baby's heart formation is an essential stage for the emergence of this condition.

ASDs may arise due to the following factors, including

Genetic variations
Specific medical conditions
Exposure to particular medications
Smoking

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) may be better understood by considering the normal functioning of the heart, which has four chambers – two atria and two ventricles. The right side of the heart directs blood to the lungs for oxygenation, while the left side pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body via the aorta. A significant ASD can lead to an excess flow of blood to the lungs, straining the right side of the heart. If left untreated, this can result in the enlargement and weakening of the right heart chamber and an elevation in pulmonary artery pressure, Causing pulmonary hypertension.

There are different types of ASDs classified based on the Location and the size of the hole, these include:

Scendeum Atrial Defects: It is the most common type of ASD, in which a hole occurs in the central part of the atrial septa (wall of the heart).
Primum Atrial Septal Defects: It affects the atrial septum's lower part which is closer to the Tricuspid valve.
Sinus venous Atrial Septal Defect: This defect occurs closure to the Superior Vena cava or inferior vena cava.
Coronary Sinus Atrial Septal Defects: This is the least common type of ASD in which the defect is associated with Coronary Sinus.

Closure for ASD is to repair a tear in the middle wall (septum) between the heart's atria. It is performed in adults to prevent complications like arrhythmias, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, or heart failure if the defect is large or symptomatic.

Consulting with a cardiologist in the presence of unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or palpitations is key. Known heart murmurs, especially those discovered late in life, should be evaluated. Adults who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) without a cause should also have screening for ASD. In some cases, ASDs are found incidentally during imaging for unrelated problems, requiring follow-up evaluation to determine whether treatment is indicated.

Preparation includes an echocardiogram (TTE or TEE), cardiac CT or MRI, and possibly cardiac catheterisation. Anesthesia evaluation and blood work are also performed. Before undergoing the procedure, you will need to abstain from some drugs and have no food.

The two essential approaches to repairing an atrial septal defect (ASD) include catheter-based closure of the defect through deployment of a device like the Amplatzer Septal Occluder, introduced through a catheter inserted through a vein (usually a femoral vein) into the right heart to seal the septal hole completely. This procedure is minimally invasive, suitable for the majority of ASDs and left open for an occasional surgical approach. The other approach is reserved for very large or complex defects, requiring opening the chest and supporting the heart-lung machine.

A catheter-based closure of ASD takes 1 to 2 hours. Surgical repair takes 3 to 4 hours, with a longer hospital stay and recovery.

Closure decreases the risk of stroke, right heart enlargement, arrhythmias, and heart failure, and usually enhances exercise tolerance and quality of life. It may also prevent long-term lung and heart damage.

Recovery time depends on the specific procedure performed. Patients generally return to regular activities within a few days to a week after catheter-based closure. Surgical repair usually requires a hospital admission of 3-5 days, while recovery will last about 4-8 weeks, during which time limitations on vigorous activities will be implemented.

Closure of an ASD has very high success rates. Catheter closure has a success rate of over 95%, with few complications and a speedy recovery. Surgical closure is equally effective in very large or very complex ASDs.