Dear Doctor,
Thank you very much for your much needed answers. Your guidance will surely help us take the decision.
Regards,
Prosenjit.
Dear Proseydas,
Transcatheter placement of an atrial septal defect occluder device in experienced hands has replaced surgical closure of secundum ASDs, by and large. Usually, these children have this done around ages 3 to 5 years. The device is placed through a catheter into the defect while the child is under anesthesia; there is no associated pain and, although an IV is placed, these children do not need prolonged hydration or feeding separate from what they take in by mouth. Afterward, they awaken and typically stay overnight to ensure that there are no complications. These children tolerate the procedure well and have no restrictions, though they usually are placed on a low dose of aspirin for the first six months after the procedure to prevent blood clots from forming on the device while the lining of the heart grows into and covers over the device. There are extremely rare cases of allergy to the material in the device, but overall, it does not cause problems.
Placement of the occluder device depends upon having a defect that has an adequate rim of tissue surrounding it that the device can grasp. if there is not adequate rim, or if there is some other reason that the device can't be used, surgical closure of the defect can always be done. I would make sure that you go to a place that has extensive experience with this to ensuer the optimal decision making and outcomes.