Strong Heart and Vascular Center

Cardiac Catheterization Labs

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Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An atrial septal defect is a congenital defect (something you were born with), which is found at birth or later in life. An atrial septal defect is an opening or hole in the atrial septum, which is the wall that divides the right and left atriums (upper chambers of the heart). This opening, which can come in many sizes, causes blood to flow between the right and left atriums. Not all defects need to be repaired, but if they do, they can be repaired either percutaneously (by catheters through the leg vein up to the heart) or surgically.

For more information, visit the American Heart Association's website.

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