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Treatment
Atrial Septal Defect Closure (Open-Heart Method)
Atrial Septal Defect Closure (Open-Heart Method)Atrial Septal Defect Closure is a surgery to fix a hole in the heart called an atrial septal defect, orASD.An atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall that separates the heart’s two upper chambers. Thesechambers are called atria. The wall between them is called the septum. An ASD is a type of birthdefect.If the hole is small, it may not cause problems or need treatment. But if the hole is large, it can allowblood to leak into the wrong chambers of the heart. This makes the heart and lungs work harder,which can cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to long-term health problems.An atrial septal defect may be found during pregnancy or shortly after birth. In many cases they arenot found until adulthood.If you or your child has an ASD, open-heart surgery may be needed to repair the hole to preventproblems with blood flow.Before the surgery, you’ll be given medicines that put you to sleep.Your surgeon will make a cut in your chest. It may be down the middle of the chest or in anotherlocation to reach your heart.Your heart is then stopped with medicine. You will be connected to a heart-lung machine to keepblood pumping throughout your body during the surgery.Your surgeon then finds and closes the atrial septal defect. If the hole is small, they may sew it upwith stitches. If the hole is larger, they will cover it with a patch.After the hole is closed, your surgeon will restart your heart and close the cut in your chest.After surgery, it usually takes a few weeks to get back to normal activities.You will have regular tests and check ups throughout your life to make sure your heart is workingproperly.Page 1 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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