Is it possible to cure a hole in the heart with surgery?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been diagnosed with cardiomegaly. Further tests revealed that there are two holes in the heart.

Report says

Ostium secundum atrial septal defect 11.8mm left to right shunt.
Devoid of the aortic rim, with an adequate superior rim.
Not suitable for device closure.
Advised surgical closure.

When asked, the doctor said only the bigger hole would be operated on. An echocardiogram clearly shows two holes close to each other, one being half of the bigger one.

What is it, and what should I do next?
Can I wait for some time before I go through OHS?
Is it possible to wait for a year?
And is the doctor right about operating only the bigger hole?
Or do you think both should be operated on, and I could see another doctor?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sorry to hear of your health issues.

The decision to wait for a year will depend on your clinical symptoms alongside other factors. Only your attending physician can decide this. Usually, big ASDs (atrial septal defect) up to 11.8 mm are surgically closed, while smaller ones are not. I will advise you to sit with your cardiologist and discuss some of these questions with them.

Thank you.