Your cardiologists may use a cardiac closure device if you have an opening in the wall separating the upper heart chambers (atria). This condition is also referred to as atrial septal defect (ASD). Similarly, cardiac closure devices are also used for patent foramen ovale (PFO). The foetus uses this space in normal foetal circulation. This space generally closes after birth, but if it remains open even after the birth, it is termed a patent foramen ovale.

What is the need for a Cardiac Closure Device? If there is an opening between the left and right atria, a cardiac closure device prevents the mixing of the blood in these two chambers. This is very important since blood in the left atrium is oxygenated while blood in the right atrium is deoxygenated. If the blood in the two chambers gets mixed, the supply of oxygen to various body parts gets compromised. Sometimes, cardiologists also use closure devices to prevent stroke in persons with patent foramen ovale (PFO). This opening also causes blood to flow in the wrong direction in the heart.

How will a cardiac surgeon insert the device into your heart? There are two major ways to insert a cardiac closure device into your heart. Sometimes, a cardiac surgeon performs an open heart surgery to put the device into the heart, which can be done with conventional MICS. Nowadays, cardiologists also use catheters to place the device, eliminating the need for open heart surgery. This procedure is called interventional cardiac catheterization.

During cardiac catheterization, the cardiologist guides a special catheter into your heart through a large vein. The closure device is slowly pushed into the correct location through the catheter with the help of X-ray and ultrasound guidance during the procedure. The cardiologist then opens up the device to cover each side of the hole.

Benefits of ASD Closure Device The success rate of ASD closure devices is more than 90%. Also, there is no major difference in the safety and efficacy between the closure devices put in with the help of open heart surgery and transcatheter ASD closure devices. However, if you have got closure device placement via cardiac catheterization, you can expect faster recovery with a comparatively shorter hospital stay.

Side effects of ASD/PFO closure devices Some of the common side effects of the closure devices are as follows:

• Aortic insufficiency (a condition where blood starts flowing backwards from the aortic valve)
• The device gets dislocated or moves out of place
• Formation of blood clots
• Leakage from the device
• Endocarditis
• Arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythms
• Erosion of the device
• Stroke

How can your cardiologist prevent side effects or complications associated with a closure device? Some of the ways by which your doctor manages complications are as follows: - Prevention against blood clots: Your cardiologist will give you anticoagulants for at least 6 months after the closure device procedure - Prevention against device erosion: Cardiologists use the correct size device with the perfect fit for ASD/PFO closure - Protection against endocarditis: To prevent endocarditis, the following measures are recommended:

• Always inform your doctors and dentists about your closure device before undergoing any procedure
• Immediately contact your doctor if you experience symptoms like fever, sore throat and pain in the body
• Always maintain proper teeth and gum hygiene
• Take antibiotics before you undergo any procedure involving blood loss