Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is the second most common congenital heart defect, occurring twice as often in girls than boys. Statistics show that more than 3,000 babies are born with ASD each year in the U.S.
ASD is a heart condition present from birth. In fetal development, an opening exists between the two upper chambers to allow blood to bypass the lungs. This defined opening in the wall between the right and left chambers typically closes about the time a baby is born to allow it to begin to breathe and circulate oxygen-rich blood. However, if the opening persists beyond birth, an ASD develops. The ASD allows blood to continue to flow from the left to the right chamber.
ASD Symptoms and Detection
Symptoms of ASD typically develop by age 30 and may include:
Frequent respiratory infections
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath with activity
Heart beat palpitations
Fatigue
With a small- to moderate-ASD, a person may live a normal life without ever exhibiting any symptoms. Larger defects, however, can create symptoms as mentioned above. If left untreated, an ASD can result in heart failure.
ASD may be discovered during a routine physical and confirmed with an echocardiogram (a diagnostic test which uses ultrasound technology to capture images of the heart).
da Vinci Surgery ASD Repair
The surgeon sits at a remote console operating hand and foot controls linked to the robot. The robotic arms are inserted into the incisions to perform the procedure. A camera-like device is also inserted to give the surgeon a three-dimensional view of the operation. The robotic technology actually communicates the surgeons natural hand movements at the remote console to the instruments placed inside the small incisions. The instruments perform meticulously and mimic a surgeons movements with total stability.
Benefits of da Vinci Surgery - ASD Repair
Patients undergoing da Vinci surgery for ASD may experience the following benefits:
Shorter hospital stay
Less pain and scarring
Less risk of infection
Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
Faster recovery
Quicker return to normal activities
For more information on whether da Vinci surgery is right for you, please call 1-877-STFRANCIS.
