Babies and children with atrial septal defects (ASD) receive care from our team with expertise in device closure of ASD to treat their defect and reduce recovery time.

For babies and children with an atrial septal defect (ASD) — an opening in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart — a cardiac catheterization procedure can close the defect and allow blood flow to be more normal.

The expert interventional cardiology team at Johns Hopkins All Children’s in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializes in using catheter procedures to close ASD in babies and children.

Why Choose Johns Hopkins All Children’s

The cardiac catheterization program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s is led by James Thompson, M.D., a national leader and early adopter in using the most advanced cardiac catheterization methods. Learn more about our Interventional Cardiology Program.

The Heart Institute team includes experts in all aspects of cardiac care for children and adults with congenital heart defects, so your child can receive comprehensive care from our team through adulthood. Learn more about our Cardiology Program.

Our Approach to Treatment for ASD

The ASD causes blood to move through the hole from the left side of the heart to the right side, allowing extra blood to flow into the lungs. Treatment for ASD depends on your child’s individual condition and how much extra blood the ASD allows. In some children the ASD may be small enough that it may close on its own and only require monitoring.

For children needing treatment for an ASD, most ASDs can be closed using a cardiac catheterization procedure. The interventional cardiologist guides a long, thin tube called a catheter through the blood vessels (usually through a tiny incision in the groin area, neck or wrist), using imaging to guide the catheter and place a small device that will close the hole.

Two devices are approved in the United States for device closure of ASD — the Amplatzer Septal Occluder and the Helex Septal Occluder. Our team has expertise in using both devices to treat ASD.

Learn more from our experts about ASD.