Postoperative complications of atrial septal defect intervention surgery

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on March 30, 2025
00:00
00:00

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in clinical practice. Minimally invasive interventional treatment can effectively address atrial septal defects and generally leaves no surgical scars. The complications of atrial septal defects can be analyzed from the following aspects: First, puncture complications. Atrial septal defects require the puncture of the femoral vein. A small number of patients may experience complications such as arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm, or hematoma at the puncture site. Generally, these complications are not serious and do not endanger the patient's life. Second, complications from dislodged occlusion devices. If the occlusion device becomes dislodged, it can lead to serious complications, including obstruction of the relevant blood vessels. Third, hemolytic reactions. A small number of patients may develop hemolytic reactions to the occlusion device. Such complications are also quite serious; however, they are very rare in clinical practice and do not require excessive concern.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
48sec home-news-image

Can a ventricular septal defect have a vaginal delivery?

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in adults. Therefore, when women are diagnosed with this condition, they often ask their doctor one question: "Can I give birth naturally?" This question requires a case-by-case analysis. If the atrial septal defect is not severe, does not cause changes in the heart structure, or lead to heart failure, then natural childbirth is definitely possible. However, if the atrial septal defect is severe and causes changes in heart structure, such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure, then natural childbirth is generally not advisable. It is best to opt for a cesarean section under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate the burden on the pregnant woman and reduce the occurrence of serious incidents.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
1min 13sec home-news-image

How to treat atrial septal defect

Typical cardiac murmur ECG and X-ray findings may suggest the presence of an atrial septal defect. An echocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis, and it should be differentiated from conditions such as anomalous pulmonary venous return, pulmonary valve stenosis, and small ventricular septal defects. For the treatment of atrial septal defects, in adult patients, if echocardiographic evidence of increased right ventricular volume load is present, the defect should be closed as soon as possible. Treatment options include interventional and open-heart surgical procedures. Before the implementation of interventional surgeries, all cases of simple atrial septal defects that have caused hemodynamic changes, with signs of increased pulmonary blood flow, enlargement of the atria and ventricles, and corresponding ECG findings, should undergo surgical treatment. In older patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, surgical treatment should be approached with caution.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
36sec home-news-image

Can someone with atrial septal defect travel by airplane?

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in daily life. Many patients with atrial septal defect often ask if they can fly on planes. This depends on the specific condition. If the atrial septal defect is combined with severe cardiac damage, such as heart failure, then flying is definitely not allowed. However, if the atrial septal defect is mild, not severe, without clinical symptoms or cardiac damage, then it is indeed possible to fly. It is recommended for those in this condition to visit a cardiology outpatient clinic at a hospital and ask a doctor to make an assessment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
57sec home-news-image

Can people with atrial septal defect run?

Atrial septal defect is a type of congenital heart disease. It is advised that patients avoid long-distance travel or running as these activities can increase the burden on the heart and also increase myocardial oxygen consumption. Surgical treatment is recommended for this condition. Patients with atrial septal defect may also experience symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness, and a murmur can be heard in the precordial area. If the symptoms are severe, it is recommended that the patient primarily rests and avoids participating in sports activities, especially running. Running can require a lot of oxygen, or cause a rapid heart rate. A rapid heart rate can lead to increased myocardial oxygen consumption and may result in compensatory symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. This situation is very dangerous and needs to be dealt with promptly; it is best to go to the hospital.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
58sec home-news-image

Do infant atrial septal defects heal by themselves?

Atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart disease, accounting for about 1/1500 of newborns, and is most commonly found in infants and children. The impact of atrial septal defects on hemodynamics mainly depends on the amount of shunting. Some studies confirm that atrial septal defects smaller than six millimeters can close on their own without external intervention. Therefore, when an atrial septal defect is discovered, it is necessary to regularly recheck the cardiac echocardiography to determine the size of the defect. If the atrial septal defect decreases in size as the patient ages, there is a possibility of self-healing. If the area of the patient's atrial septal defect does not change or gradually increases, regular echocardiography rechecks are needed, and cardiac catheterization may be performed if necessary.