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ASD Device Closure
ASD Device Closure is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently seals a hole between the heart's upper chambers using a specially designed occluder device — restoring normal heart function without open-heart surgery and preventing serious long-term complications including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
Overview
ASD Device Closure uses a self-expanding occluder device guided through a vein in the groin and deployed across the atrial septal defect under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance, permanently sealing the hole. Once deployed, the device becomes covered with natural heart tissue within weeks, restoring normal haemodynamics and protecting the heart and lungs from progressive damage. This safe, well-established procedure has transformed the treatment of ASD — replacing open-heart surgery for the majority of patients and delivering excellent results with a short recovery time and minimal discomfort.
Types of ASD
Not all atrial septal defects are alike — the type, size, and location determine whether catheter-based closure is feasible.
- Secundum ASD (most common — central septum, ideal for device closure)
- Primum ASD (near heart valves — typically requires surgical repair)
- Sinus Venosus ASD (near pulmonary veins — surgery usually preferred)
- Coronary Sinus Defect (rare variant)
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO — associated with cryptogenic stroke)
Risk Factors of Atrial Septal Defect
ASD is primarily congenital but certain factors are associated with its development. Knowing these helps families seek appropriate cardiac screening early.
- Genetic and chromosomal conditions including Down syndrome
- Maternal alcohol consumption during the first trimester
- Maternal diabetes or rubella infection during pregnancy
- Family history of congenital heart defects
- Premature birth with incomplete atrial septum development
- Maternal exposure to certain medications during pregnancy
ASD Symptoms
Symptoms of ASD depend on the defect size and patient's age. Small defects may be silent for decades, while larger ones produce progressive complications.
- Frequent chest infections or recurrent respiratory illnesses in childhood
- Easy fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance compared to peers
- Heart palpitations caused by atrial arrhythmias
- Shortness of breath on exertion worsening progressively
- Heart murmur detected incidentally during examination
- Leg swelling and right heart failure in adults with long-standing ASD
- Stroke or TIA from paradoxical embolism through the defect
- Pulmonary hypertension developing in untreated adults with large defects
Key Benefits
Discover the advantages of choosing our asd device closure services.
Permanently seals the hole in the heart without requiring open-heart surgery
Prevents long-term complications of untreated ASD including pulmonary hypertension
Eliminates the characteristic heart murmur associated with the atrial septal defect
Restores completely normal cardiac circulation and haemodynamics after closure
Allows children to return to school and normal activities within one week
Clinical Features
The technology, techniques and clinical approach behind our asd device closure.
Catheter-based closure eliminates the need for open-heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass
Continuous echocardiographic guidance throughout ensures perfect device centering and fit
Multiple device sizes available for precise anatomical matching of every ASD
Safe for children from early childhood through to adults with uncorrected secundum ASD
Immediate echocardiographic confirmation of closure before the patient leaves the laboratory
Preparation Instructions
- Complete a transoesophageal echocardiogram or cardiac MRI to accurately measure the defect
- Ensure all blood tests including CBC, coagulation, and kidney function are completed
- Fast for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure
- Inform your cardiologist of all current medications and any allergies to contrast dye or metals
- Arrange for a companion and transportation home after discharge
- Remove all jewellery and metal objects before the procedure
- Anticoagulation medications may need to be started before the procedure as directed
- Arrive at the hospital at least 2 hours before the scheduled procedure time
The Procedure
Step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your asd device closure procedure.
Detailed Cardiac Assessment and Imaging
Your cardiologist performs a comprehensive echocardiogram — often including transoesophageal echo — to precisely measure the ASD size, assess the strength and adequacy of the surrounding tissue rims, and confirm that the defect is anatomically suitable for safe catheter-based device closure.
Preparing You and Your Child for the Procedure
Our paediatric cardiology team explains each step clearly to you and your child, confirming consent, fasting, allergy review, and anaesthetic plan. We are committed to ensuring that both you and your child feel informed, reassured, and entirely at ease before entering the catheterisation lab.
Safe Anaesthesia and Catheter Access
General anaesthesia (in children) or conscious sedation (in adults) is administered so the patient remains completely still and comfortable throughout. A thin catheter is introduced through the femoral vein in the groin and advanced into the right atrium under continuous fluoroscopic guidance.
Transseptal Access and Device Positioning
The catheter is carefully guided across the atrial septum to the left atrium under echocardiographic guidance. The occluder device — precisely sized from your pre-procedural measurements — is advanced through the catheter and positioned with the left-sided disc deployed first in the left atrium.
Confirming Perfect Device Placement
Echocardiography confirms the device is centred perfectly across the ASD with adequate rim coverage on all sides before the final release. Your cardiologist gently assesses device stability with a 'Minnesota wiggle' manoeuvre to ensure secure positioning before releasing the device permanently.
Recovery and Follow-Up Scheduling
A post-procedure echocardiogram confirms complete or near-complete closure of the defect before you are transferred to the monitored ward. Our team provides clear discharge instructions on antiplatelet therapy, activity restrictions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and your scheduled echocardiogram follow-up appointments.
What to Expect
ASD Device Closure is performed under general anaesthesia in children or conscious sedation in adults for complete comfort during precise device deployment. The cardiologist guides a catheter from the groin vein and deploys the occluder device under continuous echocardiographic monitoring to confirm perfect positioning. The procedure takes 60 to 90 minutes and an echocardiogram performed immediately after confirms successful closure. Most patients are discharged after one overnight observation.
Recovery
Take prescribed antiplatelet medication (aspirin) daily for 6 months to allow the device to fully integrate — never discontinue without medical advice. Avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks. Attend all echocardiogram follow-ups at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Contact your cardiologist promptly if you experience fever, breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, or any neurological symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about asd device closure.
Related Services
Explore other services in our Cardiology department.
Coronary Angioplasty/PTCA
Check Angio(A)
Peripheral Angioplasty
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