Atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart disease. Due to the gap between the left and right atrial septum, blood will flow abnormally and increase the burden on the heart.
In addition, the foramen ovale is located between the left and right atria. In most people, it will close naturally after birth. If the foramen ovale still does not close, it is called foramen ovale insufficiency. Adults with this disease can live normal lives, but incomplete closure of the foramen ovale increases the risk of blood clots.
Process:
- The procedure will be performed in the Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Laboratory (CCIL), and the doctor will determine the need for general anesthesia/monitored anesthesia based on the situation.
- The nurse will attach electrodes to monitor your heart rate and heartbeat, and put on a blood oxygen monitor for you. The blood pressure measuring device will also measure your blood pressure from time to time during the surgery.
- After anesthesia, the doctor will perform a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to determine the degree of septal defect or foramen ovale insufficiency and to determine the outcome of the surgery.
- The doctor will insert a needle into the inner thigh (groin) to access the vein.
- The doctor will then send a catheter into the heart to measure the pressure at different parts of the heart and calculate the degree of abnormal blood flow. The doctor may also inject a contrast agent and take X-ray films for recording.
- Use a special balloon to measure the size of the septal defect, and then the doctor will insert a sealing instrument of appropriate size.
- After the operation is completed, the catheter in the blood vessel will be removed; depending on the condition of the wound, sutures and pressure may be required to stop bleeding.
- The surgery may take 2-3 hours.
- You will need to be monitored closely after surgery.
Postoperative follow-up:
- Under normal circumstances, you can be discharged from the hospital 1-3 days after surgery.
- Before discharge, medical staff will check the wound and cover it with sterile gauze. Please keep the wound clean and replace the sterile gauze immediately if it becomes wet. Under normal circumstances, you can shower on the second day after surgery.
- Please avoid strenuous exercise for the first 7 days after surgery. Bruising near the wound is mostly minor and usually disappears 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. If you notice any signs of infection, if the wound becomes more swollen or painful or if there is drainage, please return to the hospital for medical treatment immediately or go to a nearby emergency department.
- Generally, the doctor will explain the results of the surgery to you before leaving the hospital. If you have any other questions, you can ask the doctor during your follow-up consultation.