Atrial Septal Defect

Treatment of Children

All diagnosis and treatment options described in these pages are available at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

In order to avoid the complications of ASD that may appear later in life, most pediatric cardiologists advise closure of significant atrial septal defects during childhood. Most atrial septal defects are closed between the ages of two and three.

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) occur in up to 15 percent of children born with congenital heart disease. Girls have the condition twice as often as boys. Many children who have this defect have few, if any, symptoms; however, closing the ASD can prevent serious problems later in life. Following an ASD repair, the long-term outlook is excellent, particularly if the problem is repaired before young adulthood.

Pediatric specialists at Mayo Clinic Rochester have extensive experience treating children with ASD. Patients' care is coordinated through a team of specialists from the Center for Congenital Heart Disease. Children needing hospitalization are cared for at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital in Rochester.

Appointments

Call (507) 284-9969, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time.