Atrial septostomy or Septectomy is a surgical procedure that is primarily used to alleviate dextro-Transposition of the great arteries or d-TGA in infants born with congenital heart defects. It is an emergency surgical procedure to treat life-threatening cyanotic congenital heart defects and is performed prior to arterial switch operation. In certain cases, atrial septectomy is also recommended for adults suffering from pulmonary hypertension. There are two types of atrial septostomy: Balloon Atrial Septostomy Atrial Septostomy
Surgical Atrial Septectomy/Balloon Atrial Septectomy is a lifesaving procedure for infants born with a cyanotic congenital heart defect. It is also done in adults suffering from abnormal pulmonary hypertension.
Surgical Atrial Septectomy/Balloon Atrial Septectomy is a common procedure for infants born with d-TGA or cyanotic heart defects. During this minimally invasive procedure, a balloon catheter is inserted into a large vein to reach the right atrium. The catheter is then threaded into the foramen ovale, a naturally existing hole located between the atria, which naturally closes soon after birth. The balloon at the end of the catheter is then inflated for the foramen ovale to enlarge and no longer get sealed, allowing oxygenated blood to enter the right heart to pump through the body. The balloon is then deflated, and the surgeon removes the catheter.
It is recommended in babies born with congenital heart defects, including foramen ovale, patent foramen ovale, and atrial septal defect. Adults with pulmonary hypertension also get benefitted from this surgery.
Yes. It is a lifesaving procedure, and it is performed on newborn babies.
Your surgeon will closely monitor the progress of the baby. The baby will be allowed to wake up and weaned off the breathing machine, depending on the progress. It may take up to a week to ten days.
Yes. You can pump your breast milk and ask the paramedics to feed the baby to build strength and immunity!
Absolutely! Children with a history of congenital heart defects and treated for the same lead a normal, healthy life.