Closure of Heart Defects

Traditionally the treatment of congenital heart diseases was performed by an open heart surgery. However, advancements have been made in this field as well and the minimally invasive techniques and procedure are being adopted by the surgeons. The new technique is completely interventional and is carried out as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is performed on a beating heart and the patient is discharged the next day.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

The ductus arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel connecting the aorta to the pulmonary artery. It generally closes after birth, if in case it remains open, is known as patent ductus arteriosus. Through the new techniques, the defect can be closed, by inserting a device into the blood vessel through the catheter.

Atrial Septal Defect

In atrial septal defect, there is a hole in the atrial septum which allows some blood to return to the left atrium to pass through the right atrium, right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. This places a lot of pressure on the heart and lungs. This defect can be easily closed by placing a permanent device that eventually becomes a part of the heart wall.

Ventricular Septal Defects

If a hole is present between the two ventricles, the condition is known as the ventricular septal defect. It can lead to major health issues. This defect can be closed with the interventional methods by placing an implantable device.

The procedures involved in the closure of heart defects are carried out using balloon-mounted stents and devices. The stent differs from those used in adult coronary diseases.