Quick facts
Treatment type
Catheter-based / Surgical
Duration
1-3 hours
Hospital stay
2-5 days
Recovery
2-6 weeks
What is it
Atrial septal defect closure seals a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart. In most patients it is done through a vein in the leg, without opening the chest.
Why it is done
An untreated defect lets blood flow the wrong way inside the heart. Over years this enlarges the right side of the heart and raises the pressure in the lungs. Closing it prevents that damage.
Who needs it
Patients with a defect large enough to strain the heart, usually found on an echocardiogram after breathlessness, tiredness or a murmur.
Types and options
Device closure through a catheter, or surgical closure with a patch when the defect is too large or badly placed for a device.
Tests before treatment
Echocardiogram, usually a transoesophageal echo to measure the defect and its rims. ECG and chest X-ray. Routine blood tests before admission.
Before the procedure
Admission the day before or on the morning of the procedure. Nothing to eat for six hours beforehand.
How it is done
A catheter-based procedure carried out in a cath lab under general anaesthesia, guided by echo and X-ray.
After the procedure
Monitored overnight. Most patients are walking the same evening.
Recovery
Two to five days in hospital. Normal activity in two to six weeks. Aspirin for six months and an echo before flying home.
Risks and complications
Bleeding or bruising at the groin. Rhythm disturbance. Rarely the device can move and need to be repositioned or removed surgically. Your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to you.
Preparing to travel
Bring your echo report, ECG and any earlier heart records. Tell the team about blood thinners. Allow about ten days in the country in total.
How it is done
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1
Evaluation
The defect is measured on echo and the right device size chosen.
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2
Catheter insertion
A thin catheter is passed from a vein in the groin up to the heart.
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3
Device positioning
The device is opened across the hole and checked on echo before release.
Where you can have this
1 listed
What it costs
USD 4500 – USD 9200
The range hospitals publish for this treatment. Your own price is confirmed after a surgeon reviews your reports.
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What the price includes
Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
The closure device
Cath lab and hospital stay
Routine tests during admission
One follow-up review
What the price does not include
Flights and visa
Hotel before and after admission
Treatment of unrelated conditions
An extended stay if complications occur
What changes the price
The size of the defect and the device needed, whether surgery is required instead, the hospital chosen and the length of stay.
Questions patients ask
How long do I need to stay in India?
Most patients stay about ten days in total: two to five in hospital and the rest for review before flying home.
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