| From your Guide Dr.MANI |  | |
Atrial Septal Defect - ASD | ||
| From your Guide Dr.MANI | | |
Atrial Septal Defect - ASD | ||
| |
Newer methods of ASD closure
Recently, some alternatives to surgery have emerged. These are experimental", in the sense that
their effectiveness in the long run has not been proved. The advantages with these new procedures
is that they are less painful, make hospital stay shorter, and avoid a scar of a surgical incision.
One of these is TRANS-CATHETER CLOSURE. A catheter is a special thin tube passed into the
blood vessels through a small "needle-stick" in the groin or forearm. Through this catheter, a special
device similar to an umbrella - called a "clamshell device" - is passed into the heart. The "umbrella"
device is pushed across the ASD and opened. The hole is now blocked by the umbrella, which is
then fixed in place.
Another method makes use of the idea of MINIMALLY INVASIVE HEART SURGERY.
Through 3 or 4 small "puncture" holes in the chest, specially designed instruments are passed into
the chest and used to repair the ASD.
What are the complications after surgery ?
Surgery for ASD is among the SAFEST operations in cardiac surgery today. There should be NO
mortality - but then things aren't always perfect. In most hospitals, however, the mortality risk after
an ASD repair is less than ONE PERCENT. Major complications are also uncommon. Rarely,
bleeding may be excessive, and blood transfusions are needed. Hospital stay varies in different
countries, and in India is around five to seven days.
What about the future ?
An ASD repair is probably one of the few heart operations where we are able to restore a
"normal" heart. Most patients lead a perfectly normal life. Usually no medication is required after
surgery. Patients can perform almost any physical activity without ill effects.
If there's anything more you want to read about, or some areas which aren't clear enough, don't
hesitate to write and let me know.
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