Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair
What is Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair?
An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart condition characterized by a hole in the septum, the wall separating the heart’s upper chambers (atria). ASD repair is a procedure to close this hole, preventing abnormal blood flow and reducing the risk of complications like heart failure or stroke. In India, ASD repair is performed with high success rates in specialized cardiac centers, offering affordable, world-class care. For patients and families in India, understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is crucial for informed decision-making and optimal outcomes.
Why do you need Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair?
An ASD allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right atrium, straining the heart and lungs over time. While small ASDs may close spontaneously in children, larger defects or those causing symptoms (e.g., fatigue, shortness of breath) require intervention. ASD repair is recommended for:
- Significant ASDs: Large holes causing heart enlargement or symptoms.
- Complications: Risk of pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, or stroke.
- Preventive care: To avoid long-term heart damage, even in asymptomatic cases.
In India, ASD repair is performed in top hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Narayana Health, and AIIMS, with expertise in pediatric and adult cardiology. The procedure is tailored to the patient’s age, defect size, and overall health.
Why Do ASD Repair Costs Vary in India?
The cost of ASD repair in India ranges from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh, influenced by:
- Procedure Type: Catheter-based closure (₹3–8 lakh) is pricier than open-heart surgery (₹2–5 lakh).
- Hospital & Location: Top hospitals in metro cities charge more; government hospitals (₹1–3 lakh) are cheaper but may have wait times.
- Surgeon Expertise: Experienced specialists may cost more.
- Extra Costs: Diagnostics, ICU, medications, or complications add to expenses.
- Insurance & Aid: Many insurance plans cover ASD repair; government schemes or crowdfunding can help.
ASD Repair Procedure
ASD repair can be performed through surgical or non-surgical methods, depending on the defect’s characteristics:
- Before Procedure Evaluation:
- Diagnosis is confirmed via echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), ECG, chest X-ray, or cardiac MRI/CT.
- Cardiac catheterization may assess pressures in the heart and lungs.
- Patients undergo blood tests and consultations to ensure surgical fitness.
- Repair Techniques:
- Catheter-Based Closure (Non-Surgical):
- A minimally invasive procedure, ideal for secundum ASDs (the most common type, located centrally).
- Performed under general anesthesia or sedation, lasting 1–2 hours.
- A catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin, guiding a closure device (e.g., Amplatzer septal occluder) to the heart.
- The device plugs the hole, allowing tissue to grow over it.
- Open-Heart Surgery:
- Required for larger or complex ASDs (e.g., primum or sinus venosus types) or when catheter closure is unsuitable.
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 3–5 hours.
- The surgeon accesses the heart via a chest incision (sternotomy), uses a heart-lung bypass machine, and closes the defect with a patch (synthetic or pericardial tissue) or stitches.
- More invasive but highly effective for complicated cases.
- Catheter-Based Closure (Non-Surgical):
- After Procedure:
- Catheter-based patients are monitored for 24–48 hours and discharged within 1–2 days.
- Open-heart surgery patients stay in the ICU for 1–2 days and the hospital for 5–7 days.
- Follow-up echocardiograms ensure proper closure and heart function.
Recovery After ASD Repair
Recovery depends on the procedure type and patient’s age/health:
- Hospital Stay:
- Catheter-based closure requires 1–2 days in the hospital.
- Open-heart surgery involves 5–7 days, including 1–2 days in the ICU.
- Post-Procedure Care:
- Pain is managed with medications (e.g., paracetamol for catheter closure, stronger analgesics for surgery).
- Patients take antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin) for 6 months post-catheter closure to prevent clots.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, especially after surgery.
- Activity and Diet:
- Catheter closure patients resume light activities within days and normal activities (e.g., school, work) in 1–2 weeks.
- Open-heart surgery patients avoid strenuous activities for 6–8 weeks, resuming normal activities in 2–3 months.
- A heart-healthy diet (low salt, low fat) and hydration support recovery.
- Follow-Up:
- Follow-up visits at 1, 6, and 12 months include echocardiograms to confirm closure.
- Lifelong endocarditis prophylaxis (antibiotics before dental procedures) may be recommended for surgical patients.
Most patients, including children, lead normal lives post-repair, with 95–98% success rates and minimal long-term restrictions.
Risks and Complications
ASD repair is generally safe, but risks include:
- Device-Related Issues (Catheter Closure):
- Device dislodgement or erosion (rare) may require surgical correction.
- Blood clots forming on the device, potentially causing stroke.
- Surgical Complications (Open-Heart):
- Bleeding, infection, or arrhythmias during or after surgery.
- Rarely, damage to nearby heart structures.
- General Risks:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Fluid buildup around the heart (pericardial effusion), requiring drainage.
- Long-Term Issues:
- Residual leaks (small holes) may persist but are usually harmless.
- Arrhythmias may develop, requiring monitoring or medication.
Prompt reporting of symptoms like chest pain, fever, or irregular heartbeats ensures timely management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes an ASD?
ASDs are congenital, often due to improper heart development during pregnancy. Genetic factors or maternal conditions (e.g., diabetes) may contribute.
Can an ASD close on its own?
Small ASDs in children may close spontaneously by age 2–5, but larger defects or those in adults typically require repair.
Is catheter closure better than open-heart surgery?
Catheter closure is less invasive, with faster recovery, but only suitable for secundum ASDs. Surgery is needed for complex defects.
How soon can I resume normal activities?
Catheter closure patients resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; surgical patients take 6–8 weeks.
Is ASD repair covered by insurance in India?
Most insurance plans cover ASD repair if medically necessary. Verify with your provider.
What are the signs of complications post-repair?
Fever, chest pain, swelling, or irregular heartbeats require immediate medical attention.
Can adults undergo ASD repair?
Yes, adults with symptomatic or large ASDs can safely undergo repair, often via catheter closure, at centers like Fortis or Apollo.
Will my child need lifelong restrictions after ASD repair?
Most children lead normal lives post-repair, with no major restrictions, though regular cardiology follow-ups are advised.
Conclusion
ASD repair is a highly effective procedure for correcting atrial septal defects, enabling patients in India to lead healthy, active lives. With options for catheter-based closure or open-heart surgery, top hospitals like Apollo, Narayana, and AIIMS provide world-class care at affordable costs. By understanding the procedure, cost variations, recovery, risks, and FAQs, patients and families can approach ASD repair with with confidence. For personalized guidance, consult a pediatric or adult cardiologist at a reputed hospital to ensure timely and successful treatment.
Looking for Best Hospitals for Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₹) | Maximum Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
Agra |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Ahmedabad |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Ajmer |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Aligarh |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Allahabad |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Amritsar |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Aurangabad |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Bangalore |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Bareilly |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Belgaum |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Bhopal |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Bhubaneswar |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Bikaner |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Chandigarh |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Chennai |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Coimbatore |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Dehradun |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Delhi |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Dhanbad |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Durgapur |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Faridabad |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Ghaziabad |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Gorakhpur |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Guntur |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Gurgaon |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Guwahati |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Gwalior |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Hyderabad |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Indore |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Jabalpur |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Jaipur |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Jalandhar |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Jamshedpur |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Jodhpur |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Kanpur |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Kochi |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Kolkata |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Kollam |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Lucknow |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Ludhiana |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Madurai |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Mangalore |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Meerut |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Moradabad |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Mumbai |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Mysore |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Nagpur |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Nashik |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Navi Mumbai |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Noida |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Patna |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Pune |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Raipur |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Rajkot |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Ranchi |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Surat |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Thane |
3,00,000 |
6,50,000 |
Vadodara |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Varanasi |
2,50,000 |
6,00,000 |
Visakhapatnam |
2,75,000 |
6,25,000 |
Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.