Specific treatment for an atrial septal defect will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Once an atrial septal defect is diagnosed, your child's cardiologist will evaluate them regularly to see whether it is closing on its own. Usually, an ASD will be repaired if it has not closed on its own by the time your child starts school. This is done to prevent lung problems. The decision to close the ASD may also depend on the size of the defect. Treatment may include:

• Medical Management 
  Many children have no symptoms and require no medications. However, some children may need to take medications to help the heart work better.
   
• Cardiac Catheterization
  During a catheterization, a small, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a vein or artery in the groin. It is then guided to the inside of the heart. Once the catheter is in the heart, the cardiologist will pass a special device, called a septal occluder, into the open ASD and close it. This stops the blood from flowing through it.
   
• Surgical Repair 
  Your child's ASD may be repaired surgically. The defect may be closed with stitches or a special patch.

Outstanding outcomes: If your child needs surgery, you’ll have access to world-class heart surgeons. The Herma Heart Institute has some of the best results for even the most complex types of heart disease.

Care close to home: The Herma Heart Institute has 10 clinic locations. These clinics can be found in Wisconsin and upper Michigan.

Lifelong support: We provide care to our patients in all ages and stages of life — from before birth through adulthood. Your fetal heart doctor can care for your child through their childhood. As they age, they can transition into our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program.

Commitment to innovation: Our team is leading the way in congenital heart disease research. We are working to discover breakthrough treatments and procedures to improve outcomes.

Support beyond the clinic: We know that our heart families need support that extends beyond the clinic. That’s why we invest in programs that help children thrive and get them back to being kids sooner:

• Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Program
• Educational Achievement Partnership Program

For some families, it can be helpful to come prepared with a plan before your appointment with a cardiologist. Here are things to consider documenting and having ready for your appointment:

• Symptoms your child is experiencing: Sharing when these symptoms appeared and how frequently they occur is helpful to the medical team. Don’t be afraid to share symptoms that seem unrelated — congenital heart disease can affect other parts of the body.
• Medications: This should also include any supplements or vitamins your child takes.
• Related history: This includes family medical history and recent changes in your family’s life.
• Your questions: This will help ensure you don’t forget to ask all your questions. It is okay to ask the same question several times if you are unclear. Our team is here to help you understand the big picture and make sure you walk away with your questions answered.
• Newborns with special needs: At birth, a neonatologist will begin to care for your child.

Your child will need to be monitored by a cardiologist in case new problems develop. The majority of children who have had an atrial septal defect surgical repair will live healthy lives.

Once your child reaches adulthood, they should seek out a program that specializes in adult congenital heart disease. The Herma Heart Institute’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease program is the largest in the state.

Consult your child's physician regarding the specific outlook for your child.