New Technology Offers Minimally Invasive Treatment for Atrial Septal Defect
December 2002 — An innovative device is providing a new option for people who might otherwise face open heart surgery to correct a common congenital heart problem.
Atrial septal defect — essentially, a hole in the heart — affects about 1 in 800 newborns but sometimes isn't detected until later in life. It occurs when the wall (septum) between the heart's upper chambers (atria) does not close completely before birth. When this happens, blood flows from the left chamber to the right, making the right side of the heart work harder than normal. The condition can cause fatigue, breathing difficulties and respiratory infections.
Solving the Problem
Although a small hole will sometimes close naturally over time, many people face surgery for more severe cases. That used to mean open heart surgery, but a new device called a septal occluder is providing an exciting, new, minimally invasive option.
The septal occluder, which looks like a tiny umbrella, is made of wire mesh and polyester fabric. Placed in the heart using a catheter inserted into a vein and threaded to the heart, the device is carefully positioned in the hole between the two heart chambers. Within six months, the septal occluder is covered by tissue and becomes part of the heart wall.
"Without this device, the patient would probably need to have open heart surgery and would take six to eight weeks to heal. Now the person can return to normal activity in about 48 hours," says Jay Chandar, MD, Director of Pediatric Catheterization at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Dr. Chandar, a cardiologist, is on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Memorial Hospital West.
"Unlike open heart surgery, there is no incision on the chest, and the risk of post-operative complications is reduced," says Dr. Chandar. "Also, the procedure takes one to two hours, and the patient can usually be discharged from the hospital in less than 24 hours."
The procedure is as effective as open heart surgery and appropriate for a wide range of patients.
"About half of my patients are adults," says Dr. Chandar says. "I've seen people who have atrial septal defect who are in their 50s and 60s, with three or four children, jogging every day. They don't perceive that they have a problem; however, if the hole were closed, they'd see a difference in their health."
If you have concerns about your cardiac health, see your physician. For referral to a physician in your area, please call Memorial Physician Referral Service at
(800) 944-DOCS.