ASD/VSD Closure in India

Atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) are holes in the wall, or septum, that separates the chambers of the heart. ASD affects the upper chambers and VSD the lower chambers. Both are among the most common congenital heart conditions, present from birth, and are sometimes only picked up in adulthood when a routine scan shows a heart murmur or an enlarged heart chamber. Left untreated, larger defects can strain the heart and lungs over time and lead to complications such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure.

Device closure vs surgical closure

Whether a defect can be closed with a device or needs open-heart surgery depends on its size, location and the condition of the surrounding tissue. In device closure, a folding umbrella-shaped device is guided through a catheter from a vein in the groin and positioned across the defect, closing it without opening the chest. When the defect is too large, poorly positioned, or has insufficient surrounding tissue to anchor a device, surgical closure is done instead, where the defect is patched directly during open-heart surgery. Device closure, when suitable, means a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Children and adults

ASD and VSD closures are performed on both children and adults. In children, timely closure prevents long-term strain on the heart and allows normal growth and activity. In adults, closure is usually recommended once the defect is confirmed to be significant enough to affect heart function, even if it has gone unnoticed for years. Age itself is not a barrier to treatment; the defect's anatomy is what decides the approach.

What decides the final cost

Device closure is generally the lower-cost option because it avoids open-heart surgery and a heart-lung bypass machine. The size and type of closure device, whether the defect is single or multiple, and whether it is a straightforward device closure or a more complex surgical repair all move the price within the quoted range. Your cardiologist confirms the approach and a firm estimate after reviewing your echocardiogram.