Surgical Treatments
Open-heart ASD surgery starts by dividing your breastbone. This gives a surgeon access to your heart. You’ll likely be on a heart-lung machine, which pumps your blood during surgery. To close the ASD, your surgeon may sew a patch or make stitches over the hole. This lets blood flow properly between the two upper chambers of your heart.
After surgery, cardiac rehabilitation helps you safely recover your strength.
Less Invasive ASD Closure
A cardiologist might be able to seal off your ASD without surgery. The doctor starts by placing a thin tube called a catheter in a blood vessel. At the end of the catheter is a special device that can close the hole. Your cardiologist uses the catheter to move the device up to your heart. Afterward, your doctor withdraws the catheter.
Compared to surgery, this option lets you recover sooner and with less pain.
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