Description
I often meet patients — especially parents of little ones — who are told their child has a “hole in the heart.” This can sound scary, but the good news is: many of these conditions can be safely treated without open-heart surgery using a device closure procedure.
1. ASD – Atrial Septal Defect
What is it?
ASD is a hole in the wall (called the septum) that separates the upper two chambers of the heart (left and right atria).
Why treat it?
If left untreated, blood keeps flowing in the wrong direction, putting extra pressure on the lungs and heart, which can cause breathlessness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats later in life.
Closure Procedure:
We use a small umbrella-like device, which is delivered to the heart through a thin tube (catheter) inserted from the groin. The device closes the hole from inside, and over time, heart tissue grows over it.
2. VSD – Ventricular Septal Defect
What is it?
VSD is a hole in the wall that separates the lower chambers of the heart (left and right ventricles). It is one of the most common congenital heart defects.
Why treat it?
It causes extra blood to flow to the lungs, leading to breathlessness, poor weight gain, and frequent infections in babies.
Closure Procedure:
Just like ASD, we insert a special VSD closure device through a vein. It is carefully placed over the hole in the lower heart wall, helping normalize the blood flow.
3. PDA – Patent Ductus Arteriosus
What is it?
PDA is a persistent blood vessel that normally closes shortly after birth, but in some babies, it remains open — allowing abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.
Why treat it?
If left untreated, it can cause heart enlargement, lung congestion, and delay growth in infants.
Closure Procedure:
We use a PDA closure coil or device, delivered through a catheter from the leg, to seal the duct.
