Septum defects can be treated with a catheter-based procedure, a minimally invasive treatment option which is available to many patients.
How is it performed?
1. The treatment involves making a small incision, usually in the groin, and inserting a small tube (catheter) which passes through the blood vessel.
2. A device on top of the catheter will be deployed in the septum defect to seal the hole.
3. Once the catheter is successfully in place, the doctor can start using a cardiac imaging system.
4. After taking enough images, a device is released and left permanently to plug the defect.
5. The catheter is removed.
What happens after my catheter-based defect closure procedure?
- The procedure lasts about 1-2 hours under general anesthesia
- Patient’s recovery likely will be quick and easy since it is minimally invasive.
- Patients can be hospitalized for as little as 24 hours, depending on the complexity of the patient's case.
- Patients may be prescribed medication for use during the recovery period.