Hole in the Heart (ASD / VSD)
A hole in the heart is a congenital defect — an atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) — between the heart's chambers. Significant holes
A hole in the heart is a congenital defect — an atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) — between the heart's chambers. Significant holes are closed with a catheter-delivered device or open-heart surgery. VNR coordinates this care for children and adults at DDMM Heart Institute in India.
What it is
ASD and VSD are openings between the heart's chambers that allow abnormal blood flow. Many need closure to protect the heart and lungs and to support normal growth in children.
Depending on the size and position of the hole, closure may be done with a device via catheter or with open-heart surgery using a patch.
Common symptoms
- Poor weight gain or slow growth in children
- Breathlessness or fast breathing
- Frequent chest infections
- Tiring easily
- A heart murmur
How it is diagnosed
A hole in the heart is confirmed with an echocardiogram, which shows its size and position and guides whether device or surgical closure is best.
Treatment options & cost
Pediatric Heart Surgery (ASD/VSD)
Device or surgical closure of ASD and VSD, with caregiver support.
Learn more →Common Questions
FAQs: Hole in the Heart (ASD / VSD)
Many suitable ASDs and some VSDs can be closed with a catheter-delivered device. The cardiac team decides based on the defect's size and position.
No — adults with a significant undiagnosed or untreated ASD/VSD can also be treated. Send the echocardiogram for a free review.
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