5 mm ASD

[nita007]

My 1 year old daugther has a 5 mm ASD. Must she under go open heart surgery? Is there no other way they can close it?

[Katiep532148]

My 14-year old daughter had an ASD that was diagnosed in August 2009, when she was 12. She was asymptomatic but was checked because she was at risk for a reason too involved to explain. Hers was closed last October via cardiac catheterization, and she went home the same day.  The type of ASD apparently is what determines the possible method of closure because the small device used to seal the hole has to attach to an edge around the hole. If that edge or lip around the circle is not there, then the patch cannot be placed via catheterization. If you have more than one good option on doctors, I would definitely get a second opinion. Ask questions about the TYPE of ASD your daughter has and then you can read about it.  Good luck!

[ireneo]

I don't think it would hurt to get a second opinion and look around for someone who is very familiar with the PFO closure devices. It may very well be that they absolutely can't do it on her for some reason. But it doesn't hurt to read up on this and be prepared to ask questions.

[nita007]

Thank you for the reply.
The doctor said they can only do open heart surgery, cutting my baby girl from breast to breast. I looked up about it and there is other ways. I dont know if SA cant or do not close the openings with other methods but I really want to get advice on where I can go to get help from a heart specialist that can close it without the cutting open. A small scar is fine, but that big is really scary. They said they would like to close the opening between the age of 2 and 4.

[ireneo]

From what I've seen at a health fair, there are these wonderful small mesh gadgets they use. It's closes up tightly, can be inserted into the area where the opening is. The surgeon is then able to open the mesh like an umbrella. That seals the hole. They have them in tiny sizes for children.

Have you asked how they will close the hole? If they use the mesh screen, then it won't be an open procedure; it will be done through a small incision.

Some children do have a small hole between the chambers of the heart and the hole closes up over time. But your daughter is a year old now. They must feel the time for self healing is past. I'm not sure of the time line on that.