Implantable closure device
Find a heart specialistLearning you have a hole in your heart can come as a surprise, especially if the condition hasn’t caused you any problems. Left untreated, you could end up with symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath, fatigue or pulmonary hypertension, and be at a higher risk for stroke or other problems.
Our team is here to help care for your heart and help you feel better. Your treatment plan could include an implantable closure device.
What is an implantable closure device?
An implantable closure device is used to treat heart conditions like atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital heart defect. An ASD is a small hole in the tissue that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. There are several types of ASDs, classified by where in your atria they happen and how big they are.
Your doctor will perform tests including cardiac catheterization, echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (EKG) to determine if you can be treated with an implantable closure device.
The closure device will help seal or close the hole in your heart by using what looks like two small mesh umbrellas. Over time, heart tissue around the hole grows into the mesh of the device and the implant becomes a permanent part of your heart.
You'll see your surgeon for personalized guidelines to prepare for surgery including:
- Refraining from eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure
- Giving instructions on how to get ready for your procedure including any medications you may need to stop taking
- Answering your questions and concerns
You’ll be asked to arrive about three hours before your procedure to get you ready for surgery. This may include drawing blood, placing an IV line so you can get fluids to protect your kidney function, or getting an EKG or chest X-ray.
Your implantation procedure will take place in a cath lab. The procedure usually takes about an hour.
During the procedure you may receive an anesthetic so you’ll be asleep. We’ll monitor your heart’s electrical activity using an EKG.
Your doctor will place a tube down your throat to use a machine called a transesophageal echo that takes pictures of your heart that will be displayed on several TV monitors hung above the procedure table. After numbing your groin, your doctor will place a long IV needle called a sheath into the vein in your leg.
Next, a catheter is inserted through the sheath and moved up to the tissue in the heart. Once the catheter is in position, the device slowly pushes out until a small disc sits on each side of the defect, like a sandwich. The discs are filled with polyester fabric to increase the device’s closing ability.
You’ll need to stay at least overnight in the hospital while you recover. The day after your procedure, you’ll have another echocardiogram done and be allowed to go home if all looks well. You’ll need to come back in six weeks for a follow-up appointment.
There are some risks associated with this procedure, including:
- Bruising
- Sore threat
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Stroke
- Bleeding
- Infection
Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
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