Atrial Septal Defect Surgery: How Long Is the Hospital Stay?

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) repair is a common cardiac procedure, and the length of hospital stay largely depends on the type of surgery performed. There are two primary surgical approaches: open-heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass and minimally invasive catheter-based closure. Each method has different recovery timelines and hospitalization periods.

Open-Heart ASD Repair

For patients undergoing traditional open-heart ASD repair with cardiopulmonary bypass, preoperative evaluations and diagnostic tests typically take 1 to 2 days. The surgical procedure itself requires a recovery period of approximately 5 to 7 days post-operation before discharge. In total, most patients should expect to stay in the hospital for around 7 to 9 days.

Minimally Invasive Closure Options

Patients eligible for less invasive procedures have two main options. The first is a trans-thoracic minimally invasive approach, which usually requires a hospital stay of 3 to 5 days. The second option is a catheter-based closure via the femoral vein, which is less invasive and allows for a quicker recovery.

Recovery Time for Catheter-Based Closure

Following a femoral vein ASD closure, especially in cases where there is no risk of perforation or complications, patients can typically leave the hospital within 1 to 2 days after the procedure. Including preoperative preparation, the total hospital stay generally ranges between 3 to 4 days.

Choosing the Right Procedure

The best surgical method depends on several factors including the patient's overall health, the size and location of the defect, and the recommendations of the cardiologist. It's important to discuss all available options with your medical team to determine the most suitable treatment plan and expected hospitalization duration.