What is an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

• The “defect” of an atrial septal defect (ASD) refers to an abnormal communication or “hole” in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). Blood flows in the wrong direction across the defect (left to right) creating significant mixing of oxygenated and nonoxygenated blood which may cause shortness of breath and fatigue with time. This abnormal flow of blood increases the amount of blood presented to the right side of the heart and causes increased loading of the right heart and an increase in the lung pressures (pulmonary hypertension).

• Treatment for closing these defects is a catheter-based (nonsurgical approach) and is safe and effective way of managing ASDs and prevent the adverse effects described above.

 

What is a Patent Foramen Ovale?

• The “defect” from a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a one-way valve that, in most, is sealed soon after birth. However, in 25% of the population, this valve (foramen ovale) remains patent thus creating an intermittent communication between the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) that transiently allows passage of blood from the right atrium to the left atrium. The primary risk to patients with a PFO is that of an embolic stroke. Small clots and debris that are usually filtered by the lung are allowed passage via the PFO into the left side of the heart and to the brain. 

• Treatment for closing these defects is a  catheter-based (nonsurgical approach) and is safe and effective way of managing PFOs and prevent the adverse effects described above.