Treatment Options for Secundum Atrial Septal Defect with Two Holes

When a patient undergoes an echocardiogram and the results indicate a secundum atrial septal defect with two holes, it means there are two openings in the wall separating the upper chambers of the heart. In such cases, it is highly recommended to visit a specialized cardiovascular center, a cardiologist, or a cardiac surgeon for a comprehensive evaluation.

Understanding the Defect and Treatment Possibilities

Most patients diagnosed with this condition can benefit from interventional procedures, particularly percutaneous closure using a device known as an occluder. The key factor in determining the treatment approach is the anatomical positioning of the two holes.

Single Device Closure

If the two openings are located close to each other and are relatively small in size, it may be possible to close both with a single occluder device. This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed in a cardiac catheterization lab and offers a faster recovery time compared to surgical methods.

Double Device Closure

In cases where the distance between the two holes is greater, a dual-device closure may be necessary. This involves placing separate occluders for each opening, ensuring a secure and effective seal without compromising the surrounding heart structures.

When Surgery Is Necessary

There are situations where interventional closure is not feasible or safe. For instance, if one hole is positioned near the superior vena cava and the other near the inferior vena cava, the risk of device dislodgement increases significantly. In such complex cases, surgical repair through open-heart surgery is often the best option.

Open-heart surgical repair allows the cardiac surgeon to directly visualize and close both defects using a patch or sutures. Although it involves a longer recovery period, this method is highly effective and provides long-term relief from symptoms and improved heart function.