ASD - PFO
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital defect (present since birth) of the heart in which there is a hole in the wall (septum) that divides the upper chambers of the heart (atria). This hole can vary in size. Depending on the size of the defect, it can lead to symptoms that may require closure. This can be done either surgically or non-surgically. The non-surgical, or catheter-based approach, is the most common method of closure currently, and patients often can return home either the same day or the following morning.
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a normal finding that can be found in 25% of adults. It is the result of a lack of a complete closure between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. This closure typically occurs shortly after birth and is complete in 75% of individuals. The lack of complete closure results in a potential communication through a "flap", or one-way valve between the top two chambers of the heart. This provides a potential pathway by which blood, or blood clots, could travel from the right side of the heart to the left side of the heart, under certain conditions. If a blood clot were to travel through this one-way valve, it has the potential to find its way to the brain arteries, which could result in a stroke. Therefore, under certain specific conditions, a PFO has been related to the finding of strokes in young individuals.