About Septal Defect
Key Highlights
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Definitive correction of the congenital heart defect.Restores normal blood flow and heart function.Prevents long-term complications like pulmonary hypertension, stroke, and heart failure.Significantly improves exercise tolerance and quality of life.High success rate with excellent long-term outcomes.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques in select cases./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Large atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) causing significant symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue).
- Evidence of right heart enlargement or strain on echocardiogram.
- History of paradoxical embolism (stroke due to clot passing through the defect).
- Development of pulmonary hypertension.
- Heart failure symptoms unmanaged by medication.
- Certain types of defects (e.g., sinus venosus ASD, primum ASD) that do not close on their own.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive cardiac evaluation including echocardiogram, ECG, and possibly cardiac catheterization.
- Pre-operative blood tests, chest X-ray, and other standard assessments.
- Discussion of anesthesia and the surgical plan with the cardiac team.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery as instructed.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the cardiologist.
- Informing the surgical team of all allergies and current health conditions.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding during or after surgery.
- Infection at the incision site or within the chest (mediastinitis).
- Blood clot formation leading to stroke or pulmonary embolism.
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), which may require medication or a pacemaker.
- Reaction to anesthesia.
- Residual or recurrent septal defect (rare).
- Damage to nearby heart structures or nerves.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery of 1-2 days in the Cardiac ICU for close monitoring.
- Pain management with medications.
- Gradual mobilization with assistance from physiotherapists.
- Incision care instructions to prevent infection.
- Follow-up appointments for wound check and cardiac assessment.
- Temporary activity restrictions (no heavy lifting, driving) for several weeks.
- Cardiac rehabilitation program to safely rebuild strength and endurance.
- Long-term follow-up with a cardiologist to monitor heart health.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering septal defect in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for septal defect in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform septal defect. MediFyr helps you compare cardiac surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for septal defect compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Septal Defect in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated cardiac surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing septal defect.
Aadya Singh is a 28-year-old software...
Aadya Singh is a 28-year-old software engineer from Bangalore. She was a healthy, active woman who enjoyed hiking, but over the past year, she began experiencing profound fatigue and shortness of breath during routine activities like climbing stairs. A persistent, dry cough developed, and during a trek, she nearly fainted. Her primary doctor heard a heart murmur and referred her to a cardiologist. An echocardiogram revealed a large Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) that had gone undetected. Her cardiologist explained that the 'hole in her heart' was causing blood to shunt improperly, enlarging her right heart and causing her symptoms. Without closure, she risked pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Aadya was terrified; heart surgery felt like a threat to her independence and vibrant life. She underwent a minimally invasive catheter-based closure. The procedure itself was quick, but the anxiety in the lead-up was immense. Recovery was surprisingly smooth. Within weeks, her energy returned dramatically. Six months later, she completed a high-altitude trek without any breathlessness. Emotionally, she transitioned from fear and feeling 'broken' to immense relief and empowerment. She now volunteers to support other young adults facing cardiac diagnoses.
Cardiac surgeons for Septal Defect
Explore experienced cardiac surgeons who regularly perform septal defect and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 37 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 30 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
- 31 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 23 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 17 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore