Atrial Septal Defect Repair In Children - Transcatheter Care
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Atrial Septal Defect Repair In Children - Transcatheter Details
The doctor will do a physical exam of your child. Tests may include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Echocardiogram -a test that uses sound waves to visualize functioning of the heart
- Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)-a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
- Chest x-ray -a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the chest
The doctor will tell you if you child needs to stop taking certain medicine. Ask the doctor when your child should stop eating or drinking before the surgery.
AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep your child asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in the hand or arm.
Description of the ProcedureYour child will receive IV fluid and medicines through a vein in his arm. The catheter (small tube) will be inserted either in the arm or groin. Next, electrodes will be placed on the chest. These electrodes will send information to the EKG machine, allowing the doctor to monitor the heart.
A catheter will be inserted in the blood vessel and advanced so the end is in the heart. Dye will be injected to allow the doctor to view x-ray images of the heart. An echocardiogram may also be used. Before the hole can be covered, the doctor will need to find out the size of the hole. A catheter with a balloon attached to it will be sent to the upper chambers of the heart. The balloon will inflate and measure the hole.
Once the doctor knows the size of the defect, another catheter will be sent to the heart. This catheter will have a device attached. There are different types of devices available. Some are able to open so that the hole is covered on both sides. Other devices open like an umbrella to cover the defect. Once the device is placed, the doctor will remove the catheter. Lastly, a bandage will be placed over the insertion site.
Immediately After ProcedureYour child will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU). The hospital staff will:
- Place pressure on the insertion site and apply a pressure bandage
- Have your child lie flat
1-2 hours
How Much Will It Hurt?Your child will have pain and soreness. The doctor will give pain medicine.
Average Hospital StayThe usual length of stay is 2-4 days. In some cases, your child may be able to go home as soon as the next day. The doctor may choose to keep your child longer if there are complications.
Post-procedure Care At the HospitalWhen your child is recovering at the hospital, the hospital staff may:
- Do tests (eg, EKG, chest x-ray, blood tests).
- Have your child lie still and flat for several hours. This is to prevent bleeding.
- Place a pressure bandage to reduce bleeding.
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to flush the dye from his body.
- Give pain medicine to ease discomfort.
When your child returns home, do the following:
- If directed by the doctor, give antibiotics. This will help to prevent infections in the heart.
- Give pain medicine as needed. You can also apply an ice pack to the insertion site to ease discomfort.
- Your child may be at risk for blood clots. If directed by the doctor, give medicine to prevent blood clots.
- Have your child return to his normal diet. He may need to drink plenty of fluids to flush the dye from his system.
- Encourage your child to rest. Have him avoid strenuous activities. He will slowly return to his normal routine.
- Follow all of the doctor's instructions.
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
 Call Your Doctor What to look out for and when to call your doctor after a procedure has been done. |
