What is ASD Closure Surgery (Atrial Septal Defect)?
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect in which there is an abnormal opening between the right and left atria of the heart. This opening allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, increasing blood flow to the lungs and placing extra strain on the heart.
ASD closure restores normal blood circulation by sealing the defect using either a catheter-delivered closure device, surgical stitches, or a surgical patch. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the ASD.
India has become a preferred destination for ASD closure because of its experienced pediatric and adult congenital heart specialists, advanced cardiac catheterization laboratories (Cath Labs), modern cardiac surgery centers, excellent success rates, and affordable treatment costs. Every year, patients from Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Iraq, Oman, Nepal, Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and the Middle East travel to India for world-class congenital heart treatment.
Who Needs ASD Closure Surgery (Atrial Septal Defect)?
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend this procedure if you have:
- Ostium Secundum ASD
- Ostium Primum ASD
- Sinus Venosus ASD
- Large Atrial Septal Defect
- Right heart enlargement
- Pulmonary over-circulation
- Shortness of breath
- Exercise intolerance
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Stroke related to ASD
- Significant left-to-right shunt
Common Causes
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Easy fatigue
- Poor weight gain in children
- Frequent chest infections
- Heart murmur
- Palpitations
- Reduced exercise capacity
- Swelling of the legs (advanced disease)
- Stroke (rare but possible)
- Pulmonary hypertension (late complication)
Diagnosis
- 2D Echocardiography
- Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
- ECG
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac CT or MRI (selected patients)
- Cardiac Catheterization (if required)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Kidney Function Tests
- Liver Function Tests
- Coagulation Profile
- Blood Grouping
- Pulmonary Function Tests (selected adults)
- Anesthesia assessment
Types of ASD Closure Surgery (Atrial Septal Defect)
Catheter-Based Device Closure
The most common treatment for suitable Ostium Secundum ASDs. A catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin, and a specially designed closure device is placed across the defect without opening the chest. Benefits include no large incision, faster recovery, less pain, and a short hospital stay.
Surgical ASD Closure
Recommended for large ASDs, complex ASDs, Sinus Venosus ASD, Ostium Primum ASD, and defects unsuitable for device closure. The defect is closed using direct sutures, a pericardial patch, or a synthetic patch.
Minimally Invasive ASD Surgery
Some specialized centers perform ASD repair through small chest incisions instead of full sternotomy in selected patients.
Robotic ASD Closure
Available at selected advanced cardiac centers for carefully selected patients.
Benefits
- Restores normal blood flow
- Prevents heart enlargement
- Reduces pulmonary hypertension risk
- Improves exercise tolerance
- Relieves symptoms
- Prevents long-term complications
- Lowers stroke risk
- Improves quality of life
- Excellent long-term outcomes
The Procedure
- Pre-procedure evaluation
- General anesthesia or sedation
- Catheter insertion through the groin vein
- Guidewire advancement into the heart
- Positioning of the ASD closure device
- Echocardiographic confirmation
- Device release
- Catheter removal
- Recovery and monitoring
Duration: The surgery usually takes Device closure: 1 to 2 hours; Surgical closure: 2 to 4 hours.
Recovery Timeline
Success Rate
ASD closure is one of the safest congenital heart procedures, and leading cardiac centers in India report success rates exceeding 98–99% for appropriately selected patients undergoing device closure, along with excellent outcomes for surgical repair. Success depends on factors such as the ASD type, defect size, pulmonary artery pressure, patient age, surgical expertise, and hospital infrastructure.
Risks
Although asd closure surgery (atrial septal defect) is generally safe, possible risks include:
Cost of ASD Closure Surgery (Atrial Septal Defect) in India
The final cost depends on: Hospital category, Cardiologist or cardiac surgeon's expertise, ASD type and size, Closure device, ICU stay, Room category, Diagnostic investigations, Medical condition, Post-procedure complications.
Why International Patients Choose India
- Highly experienced orthopedic surgeons
- Advanced surgical and arthroscopic technology
- Internationally accredited hospitals (NABH & JCI)
- Affordable treatment compared to Western countries
- Minimal waiting time
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs
- English-speaking healthcare teams
- Personalized care for international patients
Best Hospitals for ASD Closure Surgery (Atrial Septal Defect) in India
Hospital selection depends on your diagnosis, treatment goals, and budget. See our full hospital network →
International Patient Journey
- Share your medical reports (and MRI scans, if relevant).
- Receive a free expert medical opinion.
- Get a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.
- Confirm your travel dates.
- Receive medical visa assistance.
- Arrive in India and meet your patient coordinator.
- Consultation and pre-operative evaluation.
- ASD Closure Surgery (Atrial Septal Defect).
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
- Follow-up consultation.
- Return home with complete medical records and recovery guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASD closure is a procedure to close a hole between the upper chambers of the heart using either a catheter-delivered device or surgery.
No. Many patients with suitable Ostium Secundum ASDs can undergo minimally invasive catheter-based device closure without opening the chest.
Device closure usually takes 1–2 hours, while surgical repair generally takes 2–4 hours.
Device closure patients usually stay 1 day, while surgical patients typically stay 4–7 days.
Yes. It is considered a safe and highly effective procedure when performed by experienced congenital heart specialists.
Yes. Many adults are diagnosed later in life and can benefit from ASD closure after appropriate evaluation.
Most international patients stay 5–7 days after device closure and 2–3 weeks after surgical closure.
Yes. Most patients return to normal daily activities with significantly improved heart function and quality of life.
Patients undergoing device closure are commonly prescribed antiplatelet medication for several months, while surgical patients receive medications based on their clinical needs. Follow your cardiologist's advice.
Medicare Spots assists international patients with expert opinions, hospital and specialist selection, treatment planning, medical visa support, travel arrangements, accommodation, dedicated patient coordination, and post-treatment follow-up for a seamless treatment experience in India.