Best Cardiologists for ASD Device Closure in India

An atrial septal defect is a congenital (present from birth) opening in the septum between the heart's right and left atria, which can allow oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix. ASDs vary considerably in size, location, and clinical significance, and not all require active treatment.

Smaller ASDs often produce no symptoms for many years and may be discovered incidentally, while larger defects can cause breathlessness on exertion, fatigue, frequent respiratory infections, palpitations, or reduced exercise capacity. In adults with longstanding unrepaired ASDs, symptoms of pulmonary hypertension or an irregular heart rhythm (such as atrial fibrillation) may develop. It is important to note that these symptoms overlap with many other cardiac and non-cardiac conditions, so symptoms alone are never sufficient to establish or rule out a diagnosis.

Diagnosis typically begins with a clinical history and physical examination, during which a characteristic heart murmur may be detected. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the primary imaging tool used to visualise the defect, assess its size and location, and evaluate right heart enlargement or elevated pulmonary pressures; transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) or cardiac MRI may be used for more detailed anatomical assessment when needed. Additional investigations such as an ECG, chest X-ray, or cardiac catheterisation may be recommended based on individual findings to guide treatment planning.

The appropriate management of an ASD depends on the defect's size, type, location, the degree of right heart volume overload (assessed by the ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow, known as the Qp:Qs ratio), associated symptoms, and the patient's overall health. Small ASDs with no significant haemodynamic consequence may be managed with regular clinical monitoring and do not always require intervention. Larger or haemodynamically significant defects are typically considered for closure — most commonly via minimally invasive catheter-based device closure, though open surgical repair remains an option in certain anatomical circumstances — and the final recommendation depends on a qualified clinician's individual assessment.

For defects that are small and not causing measurable strain on the heart, active surveillance with periodic echocardiography and cardiology review is a recognised and appropriate pathway. Medications may be used to manage associated conditions such as arrhythmias or heart failure symptoms, but there is no drug that closes an ASD itself; medical therapy is therefore supportive rather than curative in this context.

ASD device closure may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.

ASDs are primarily evaluated and managed by a cardiologist, specifically one with expertise in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) or — for children — a paediatric cardiologist. When catheter-based or surgical closure is indicated, an interventional cardiologist (for device closure) or a cardiac surgeon (for open repair) will typically be involved.

When comparing providers, it is worth asking about the centre's case volume for ASD device closure specifically, the availability of a dedicated adult congenital heart disease programme, multidisciplinary support including cardiac anaesthesia and imaging specialists, and what the follow-up protocol looks like after the procedure.

Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.

Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.