Non-surgical method cures 7 congenital heart patients

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart disease that affects 900950 among a million. It is a defect in the septum between the heart’s two upper chambers (atria). The septum is a wall that separates the heart’s left and right sides. The defect allows oxygen-rich blood to leak into the oxygen-poor blood chambers in the heart. Seven of them suffering from ASD underwent the procedure at the facility on April 10 between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm. 

While a surgery is the only way to cure the condition, experts at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital resorted to a painless, non-surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia for the adults and short general anaesthesia for children. 

Explaining the procedure, Dr K Kannan, professor and head of department, Cardiology, at the facility said that though surgery was the only option earlier, a non-surgical option has benefited several patients. The procedure involves the passage of a device through the vein in the right leg across the defect, leading to the closure of the hole. He said, “Through a new device called Atrial Septal Defect Device, the opening in the heart is closed. The device was taken to the heart chamber through the artery by making incision in the thigh.” 

The entire procedure lasted 30-45 minutes. The string of procedures involved a team of cardiologists and anaesthetists. Dr Kannan added, “All of them were cured of the symptoms and discharged the next day, in the absence of a major surgery that could cost in lakhs. The procedures were performed for free under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.” 

Large and long-standing atrial septal defects can damage one’s heart and lungs. Small defects may never cause a problem and may be found incidentally. An adult with an undetected ASD may have a shortened life span from heart failure or high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).