Atrial septal defect (ASD), often referred to as a hole in the heart, is literally a hole in the septum (wall) that separates the heart’s left and right upper chambers (or atria). The defect is frequently discovered in childhood, but may also be diagnosed later in mature adults. If undetected or untreated, it results in the inefficient pumping of already-oxygenated blood back to the lungs.

To close an atrial septal defect, a catheter is used to guide the placement of an ASD closure device that will seal the hole in the heart wall. Once in the correct location, the ASD closure device is allowed to expand its shape to straddle each side of the hole. The device will remain in the heart permanently to stop the abnormal flow of blood between the two atria chambers of the heart.

For more information on atrial septal defect closure, visit the American Heart Association’s Website.