Health Education

The atrial septal defect (ASD) closure device is made of woven-form nickel-titanium alloy, which alloy features the memory for shapes. This suggests that such device will restore to its original shape even if compressed with catheter penetrated, thereby closing the atrial septal defect. Under general anesthesia and the monitoring of transesophageal echocardiography, the images taken from balloon catheter and transesophageal echocardiography are used to measure and calculate the actual diameter size and location of the atrial septal defect, in order to choose appropriate closure device. Finally, with the help from transesophageal echocardiography and x-ray system, the atrial septal defect closure device of proper size is implanted to the septal defect via cardiac catheter.

When to use

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is the opening on the tissue wall between the two upper heart chambers. This opening allows oxygenated blood to mix with unoxygenated blood, causing the heart to do additional work for providing oxygen to the entire body.

ASD is one of the most common congenital heart diseases in pediatric cardiology, which often complicates with other heart diseases. There are four ASD types and the types are defined according to the position in the heart.

Congenital heart disease could appear in approximately 7.5% of fetuses. In particular, 7 ~ 10 % are ASD and one of the most common congenital heart diseases.  

Possible Side Effects

• Air embolism, thromboembolism
• Cardiac tamponade, cardiac perforation
• Regurgitation
• Temporary arrhythmia
• Bleeding

Post-Surgery Care Instructions

• Patients undergone placement surgery from the inguinal region will require sandbag compression for 2~4 hours after the surgery (may increase/decrease depending on the condition) and need to lie down for at least 6 hours.
• The wound may experience some pain and discomfort, which can be given some painkiller depending on the condition.
• Avoid strenuous exercise in one month after the surgery.
• For any question before discharge from the hospital, please consult with your physician or nurses for relevant information.