Frequently Asked Questions
Several patients have been known to live for 80 years or longer with massive unrepaired flaws without experiencing serious handicap. However, it is anticipated that atrial septal defect affects life expectancy in the majority of cases, with the average age at death not exceeding 50 years.
Most congenital heart problems are caused by a mix of genetics and conditions involving the mother during pregnancy, such as alcohol and drug use, as well as disorders including diabetes, lupus, and rubella. Specific genetic abnormalities are responsible for about 10% of congenital heart defects.
Small holes in the atrial septum may close on their own. Larger atrial septum abnormalities, as well as those that cause symptoms, can be repaired. The majority of children who have had their atrial septal defect repaired go on to live healthy lives.
Even if a child does not exhibit symptoms, healthcare providers frequently propose a repair for children with a big ASD. It can protect the lungs from long-term, irreversible damage. The procedure is most frequently performed on youngsters. However, if an adult's ASD was not diagnosed during childhood, this sort of correction may be required.
Both Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Foramen Ovale are congenital disorders affecting the septal tissue that connects the heart's left and right atria. ASD is a congenital heart defect caused by the failure of septal tissue to grow between the atria, whereas PFO occurs after birth when the Foramen Ovale, a flap-like valve, fails to close. Because an ASD hole is larger than a PFO, it is more likely to cause symptoms.
A percutaneous closure device is a customized device that is used to correct atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale in patients (PFO). This device is affixed at the end of a catheter that is put through a vein in the leg and released at the defect site to close the hole during a catheterization procedure.