Procedure guide · Paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery
ASD and VSD closure repairs a hole in the wall between the heart’s chambers. MedlinePlus explains that some defects close on their own while others need a device placed by catheter or open-heart surgery. A paediatric cardiologist decides whether your child needs closure and which method suits the size and position of the hole.
What are ASD and VSD closure?
An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole between the two upper chambers. A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole between the two lower chambers. Both are present at birth. MedlinePlus describes VSD as one of the most common congenital heart defects.
There are two ways to close them. In catheter device closure, a closure device is passed through tubes inserted through a tiny cut in the groin. MedlinePlus notes this avoids open-heart surgery but suits only certain defects. In surgery the hole is repaired, often with a patch. Surgery may be needed when the defect is large or when other heart defects are present.
When may closure be advised?
Not every hole needs treatment. MedlinePlus says small ASDs under 5 mm in infants often cause no problems or close by themselves. Small VSDs may also close as the wall grows after birth. Large defects can cause fast breathing, sweating during feeds and poor weight gain.
MedlinePlus says ASD closure is recommended when there is a large amount of shunting, the heart is swollen or symptoms occur. For VSD, surgery is generally considered when symptoms continue despite medicine. Surgery for a VSD without symptoms is a matter for careful discussion with your child’s cardiologist. The paediatric team decides on timing and method.
Which reports does a paediatric cardiologist usually ask for?
MedlinePlus describes the echocardiogram as often the first test and the one that confirms the diagnosis. Ask the hospital whether it also needs:
- the echocardiogram report and, if possible, a video recording of the scan
- a chest X-ray and ECG
- any heart MRI, CT or catheter study already done
- your child’s weight and growth chart
- notes on feeding, breathing and infections
- details of any other medical conditions or syndromes
How do families plan the trip?
Travelling with a sick child takes extra planning. Both parents may want to come, and each companion needs a valid visa. Confirm the hospital’s rules on parents staying with the child, especially in intensive care. Stages usually include remote review, a plan and estimate, visas, arrival and repeat echocardiogram, the procedure, recovery and a clearance check before flying.
Your child’s team will tell you how long to stay. Before you leave, ask for a written summary with the device or repair details and the follow-up plan. MedlinePlus notes that antibiotics may be needed before dental work for a period after ASD repair. Make sure your doctor at home knows this. Book a paediatric cardiologist at home for follow-up echocardiograms.
What should I ask the hospital before booking?
- Is my child’s defect suitable for catheter device closure or does it need surgery?
- Will a paediatric cardiac anaesthetist look after my child?
- Can a parent stay with my child throughout the hospital stay?
- What will happen if the device cannot be placed during the procedure?
- Does my child need antibiotics before dental care after closure?
- Who will review the follow-up echocardiograms?
Who decides
IndiaMedica does not give medical advice. Your treating specialist decides whether this procedure suits you, the treatment plan, how long you stay and when it is safe to fly.
Questions people ask
Will my child’s hole close on its own?
Some do. MedlinePlus says small ASDs in infants often close by themselves and small VSDs can close as the heart grows. Larger defects are less likely to close. Your child’s cardiologist uses repeat echocardiograms to decide whether to wait or to treat.
Can both parents travel with our child?
Families often want both parents present. Each adult needs a valid visa, and hospital rules on how many people can stay with a child differ. Ask the international patient department about its policy before applying. Our checklist on travelling with a child covers documents, consent forms and practical needs.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.