Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure Abroad Cost

Atrial Septal Defect, commonly known as a hole in the heart, is a congenital condition in which an opening remains present in the septum, the muscular wall separating the two upper chambers of the heart. This opening allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, placing additional strain on the heart and lungs over time if left untreated. ASD closure is the procedure used to seal this opening and restore the heart's normal circulation pattern.

At Global Health Opulence, we connect patients with internationally accredited paediatric and adult cardiac centres and highly experienced cardiac specialists across leading medical destinations, ensuring outcomes that meet the highest standards of clinical safety and precision

What Is ASD Closure?

ASD closure is a procedure performed to seal an abnormal opening in the atrial septum, the wall that separates the heart's two upper chambers. In a healthy heart, this septum is fully formed at birth, but in patients with ASD, an opening remains, allowing blood to flow between the two chambers in a way that is not intended. Depending on the size and location of the defect, this can lead to symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, and, over time, strain on the right side of the heart and lungs.

ASD closure can be performed in two ways: through a minimally invasive, catheter-based device closure, or through open-heart surgical repair. The choice between the two depends on the size, location, and type of the defect, and will be determined by your cardiac specialist following detailed imaging.

What ASD Closure Can Address

The procedure is designed to:

1. Seal the abnormal opening between the heart's upper chambers
2. Restore normal blood flow and reduce strain on the right side of the heart
3. Relieve symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, and palpitations
4. Reduce the long-term risk of complications such as heart failure, arrhythmia, and pulmonary hypertension

Who Is a Suitable Candidate?

ASD closure is generally appropriate for individuals who:

1. Have been diagnosed with a moderate to large atrial septal defect on echocardiogram
2. Experience symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance
3. Show signs of right heart enlargement or strain linked to the defect
4. Are considered clinically suitable for device-based or surgical closure, as confirmed by a cardiac specialist

Patients with very small defects that are not causing symptoms may only require regular monitoring rather than active intervention. Patients with certain defect types, such as those located near the heart's valves, or complex anatomical variations, may require surgical repair rather than device closure. Your cardiac team will confirm the most suitable approach following detailed imaging and clinical assessment.

Types of ASD Closure

1. Transcatheter Device Closure

A minimally invasive procedure in which a specialised closure device is guided to the defect site through a catheter, usually inserted via a vein in the leg, without the need for open-heart surgery. Once positioned, the device expands on both sides of the opening to seal it, and heart tissue gradually grows over the device to make it a permanent part of the heart. This approach is suitable for many secundum-type defects located centrally in the septum.

2. Surgical ASD Repair

For defects unsuitable for device closure, such as larger openings or certain anatomical variations, open-heart surgery is performed to directly access the heart and close the defect. The surgeon stitches a tissue patch, either from the patient's own pericardial tissue or a synthetic graft, over the opening to seal it permanently.

Pre-Operative Assessment

Before proceeding with ASD closure, your cardiac team will request a series of investigations to confirm the size, location, and type of the defect, and to assess your overall cardiac fitness. These typically include:

1. Echocardiogram to visualise the defect and assess heart chamber size and function
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity
3. Chest X-ray to evaluate heart size and lung condition
4. Blood chemistry analysis, including relevant viral marker tests

Additional imaging, such as a transoesophageal echocardiogram or cardiac MRI, may be recommended in more complex cases to plan the closure precisely. Your treating cardiac specialist will outline all requirements during the consultation process.

Preparing for the Procedure

During the pre-procedure consultation, your cardiac team will provide specific preparation instructions. General guidelines include:

1. Informing your medical team of all current medications, particularly blood thinners
2. Fasting from solids and liquids for a specified period before the procedure
3. Disclosing any known allergies, particularly to contrast dye or anaesthetic agents
4. Arranging for stoppage of certain medications, as directed by your cardiac specialist

If medications must be taken on the morning of the procedure, they should be taken with the smallest amount of water necessary. All medication queries should be discussed with your cardiac specialist or anaesthetic team in advance.

The Procedure

Transcatheter device closure is generally performed under general or local anaesthesia with sedation and typically takes between one and two hours. A catheter carrying the closure device is guided through a vein in the leg to the heart under imaging guidance. Once the device is correctly positioned across the defect, it is released and expands on both sides of the opening to seal it, after which the catheter is withdrawn.

Surgical ASD repair is performed under general anaesthesia and generally takes between two and four hours. The chest is opened, the heart is temporarily supported by a heart-lung bypass machine, and the defect is closed with a tissue patch before the chest is closed.

Patients are closely monitored throughout the procedure for heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

Post-Operative Care

Following the procedure, patients are moved to a monitored recovery area where vital signs and, where relevant, the catheter or surgical site are closely observed. Device closure patients typically remain in hospital for a few days, while surgical patients generally require a longer hospital stay of up to a week.

It is normal to experience mild soreness at the catheter or incision site, along with some fatigue during the initial recovery period. Medication may be prescribed to reduce the risk of clot formation around the closure device. Persistent chest pain, fever, unusual swelling, or shortness of breath should be reported to your care team without delay.

Before discharge, the care team will provide detailed instructions on medication schedules, activity restrictions, and the timeline for follow-up appointments.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Most device closure patients resume light daily activities within a few days, while surgical patients generally require a longer recovery period of several weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted during the initial recovery phase, as directed by your cardiac specialist.

1. Taking prescribed medication, including any blood thinners, exactly as directed
2. Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity during the initial recovery period
3. Keeping the catheter or surgical site clean and dry
4. Attending all scheduled follow-up consultations, including echocardiogram review
5. Reporting any unusual chest pain, fever, or breathlessness promptly to your care team

Regular follow-up echocardiograms are generally recommended in the months following the procedure to confirm that the defect has closed successfully and that heart function has normalised.

Potential Risks and Considerations

As with all cardiac procedures, ASD closure carries a defined set of risks that your cardiac specialist will discuss comprehensively before the procedure. These include:

1. Bleeding or infection at the catheter or surgical site
2. Irregular heart rhythm following the procedure
3. Device migration or incomplete closure of the defect
4. Blood clot formation
5. Adverse reaction to anaesthesia or contrast dye

Patients should contact their cardiac specialist immediately if they experience chest pain, marked swelling, fever, or breathlessness. These may indicate complications that require prompt medical assessment.

The success rate of ASD closure at GHO's partner institutions is 95% and above, with the majority of patients experiencing complete resolution of symptoms and a marked improvement in overall quality of life.

How GHO Supports Your Journey?

Global Health Opulence connects patients with internationally accredited cardiac specialists across leading destinations including India, Turkey, Thailand, and beyond. Our concierge team manages every aspect of your care journey, from initial consultation and specialist matching, to visa facilitation, travel coordination, premium accommodation, and post-treatment virtual follow-up.

Every step of your journey is guided by our dedicated care team, ensuring a seamless, discreet, and clinically excellent experience from the moment you reach out to us.

Frequently Asked Questions