Atrial septal defect

Alternative Names

Treatment

ASD may not require treatment if there are few or no symptoms, or if the defect is small. Surgical closure of the defect is recommended if the atrial septal defect is large, the heart is enlarged, or symptoms occur.

A relatively new procedure has been developed to close the defect without surgery. The procedure involves the introduction of an ASD closure device (such as the Amplatzer device) into the heart through catheters. A tiny incision is made in the groin to introduce the catheters. They are then advanced into the heart, where the closure devise is placed across the ASD and the defect is closed.

All atrial septal defect patients may not be eligible for this procedure. Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis immediately after surgery for the ASD, but they are not required later on.

Outlook (Prognosis)

With a small-to-moderate atrial septal defect, a person may live a normal life span without symptoms. Larger defects may cause disability by middle age because of increased blood flow and shunting of blood back into the pulmonary circulation.

Possible Complications

• Pulmonary hypertension
• Arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation
• Heart failure

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicating an atrial septal defect develop.

References

Webb GD, Smallhorn JF, Therrien J, et al. Congenital heart disease. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007: chap 61.