ASD Device Closure
ASD Device Closure is a treatment option that can be used to repair abnormal openings as well as gaps around prosthetic valves that result after surgery in the heart.
Some facts about ASD Device Closure:
- ASD or atrial septal defect is a birth defect of the heart in which there is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.
- Entry of blood from the left atrium (left upper chamber) to the right atrium (right upper chamber) is caused by this.
- It can increase the pressure in the lungs and cause damage to blood vessels of the lungs in the long run when the flow is large.
- Although small ASDs can be left alone, large ASDs should be closed by open heart surgeries or device closure of ASD.
- A device is introduced through the blood vessel of the groin in this procedure
- However, all ASDs are not suitable for device closure.
Preparation for ASD Device Closure:
- Inform your health care provider if you have ever had a problem with sedation or if you have allergies.
- Health problems, like diabetes or kidney problems should also be informed to your health care provider.
- Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before the procedure should be avoided.
- An echocardiogram test will be done to decide the suitability of ASD for device closure.
- A special echocardiogram known as transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is used in addition to a routine echocardiogram done from the chest, to assess the finer details of the ASD.
- The exact location of the defect, and the distance from other important parts of the heart like heart valves and aorta are measured as a reasonable distance from all these vital structures is required to place the device in order to avoid immediate and long term complications.
Procedure for ASD Device Closure:
- The ASD device is folded like an umbrella and placed into the heart using a tube known as catheter.
- ASD device is composed of two discs like a clam shell, one for the left side of the defect and another for the right side, with a small connection link in between.
- A small hole is made in the skin of the groin under local anesthesia to insert the folded device loaded inside a tube.
- Live X-ray imaging is used in a special facility room called cardiac catheterization laboratory to guide it to the heart.
- Position is further confirmed by echocardiogram, ultrasound imaging of the heart once the device has crossed the ASD.
- First the left sided disc is opened from the catheter used for introduction after confirmation of position.
- Then the right sided disc is also opened.
- Echocardiogram is done again once both discs are in position to check for any remaining leaks and whether the position of the device is acceptable.
- Make sure that it should not be interfering with the function of the nearby valves.
- The device is released from the delivery system if everything is fine and the delivery system is withdrawn and taken out.
