Do I require a surgery to patch my secundum atrial septal defect?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 40-year-old male. I have been diagnosed with 3.3 cm secundum ASD in the right atrium. The catheterization process failed to patch the ASD and now the cardiologist is advising a surgical process. Is this correct? There are no symptoms of chest pain. No breathing or lifestyle issues. I am a normal adult and able to do a daily routine. I have cut down exercises after the ASD diagnosis too. The ASD was found during a recent diagnosis of a cardiac effusion that may not be related to the ASD. What is your opinion? I have attached images for your reference.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Yes, it is certainly possible. It is a large ASD (atrial septal defect). One can patch the ASD up to around 3.6 cm, but it also depends on multiple factors like rims available to hold the patch etc.

They must have evaluated the ASD in detail and have come to that conclusion. But the ASD is large and a closure should be done; otherwise, it may lead to pulmonary hypertension which is irreversible.

Hope this helps you and kindly get back if you have any doubts.