ASD Closure

Question 1

What are the two main methods for closing ASDs during surgical procedures?

Answer 1

Patching or suturing during open heart surgery and minimally invasive surgical repair

Minimally invasive repair uses special instruments inserted through 3 or 4 holes in the chest.

Question 2

What type of thread is commonly used for closing small defects in open heart surgery?

Answer 2

Monofilament thread made of Prolene or Polypropylene

Question 3

What materials can be used to cover larger holes in ASDs?

Answer 3

Patches made of pericardium, silk, or synthetic materials like Dacron or Teflon

Question 4

What is an alternative to open heart surgery for treating ASDs?

Answer 4

Transcatheter closure using devices introduced via catheter

Question 5

What device is used to determine the size of an ASD before closing it with a transcatheter device?

Answer 5

Amplatzer® Sizing Balloon

Question 6

How does the Amplatzer® Sizing Balloon measure the diameter of the ASD?

Answer 6

The balloon is inflated, and radiopaque markers are read radiometrically, with ultrasound, or with a sizing plate

Question 7

From where does the catheter enter the body for transcatheter closure?

Answer 7

From the groin or forearm

Question 8

What term is used for an ASD with insufficient rims of atrial muscle to hold the device in place?

Answer 8

Referred for surgery

Question 9

Fill in the blank: Larger holes in ASDs may be covered with patches made of _______.

Answer 9

[pericardium, silk, Dacron, or Teflon]