What is an ASD?

An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a defect of the upper chambers of the heart (atria) where the wall (septum) between the right and left atrium does not close. Put simply, ASD is sometimes referred to as a hole in the heart.

Before birth, an opening between the right and left atrium of the heart exists to allow blood to bypass the lungs. Normally the opening closes when the baby is born. If the opening remains, blood will continue to flow from the left to right atria (known as a shunt). This shunting creates extra blood for the right side to pump and in time adds strain to the heart. Over time, an ASD that is left unrepaired can cause problems including an increased risk of stroke.

The ultrasept ASD device is designed to close this space quickly, safely and non-surgically. In most cases, patients are admitted to the hospital in the morning and return home in the evening or following day.