asd in four year old

Posted By  CCF Cardio MD-SGM on November 19, 1997 at 15:29:59:

In Reply to: asd in four year old posted by carol finnucan on November 07, 1997 at 00:18:02:

: My four year old has asd measuring 15mm to 17mm on echo.  Closure is recommended.  Been given option of trying transcatheter closure with Cardioseal device.  would appreciate any thoughts on this vs. open heart surgery.

[CCF Cardio MD-SGM]

Dear Carol,
There is agreement regarding closure of a moderately large atrial septal defect(ASD), measuring 17-18mm.  Patients who undergo this procedure can expect normal life expectancy,  an excellent outcome indeed.   Your question regarding the method of closure is a good one.  Surgery, especially at a large center with experienced pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, enjoys a very high success rate with a low complication rate.  Percutaneous techniques(catheter based) are being used to close these defects without the pain or rehabilitation of a sternal incision, with rapid recovery, and low complication rates.  As with any relatively new therapy however, our understanding of the long-term results with percutaneous, clamshell-type device is incomplete.  
Discuss this with your cardiologist, and whatever the decision(surgery, or percutaneous/catheter based) make sure the operator has extensive experience with the procedure.  Best of luck.  
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes, only.  Specific diagnoses and therapeutic recommendations can only be provided by your family physician.