For the first time at Hillel Yaffe: Hole in the heart closed through cardiac catheterization

Last week, for the first time, the Cardiology Division at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center performed a minimally invasive procedure to close an atrial septal defect (ASD). This is a congenital heart defect, in which there is a hole in the septum between the atria, which leads oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left atrium into the right atrium, where it mixes with oxygen-poor blood. The procedure was performed by the hospital’s Cardiology Division staff along with the Director of the Adult Cardiac Defects Service at Rambam, Dr. Sergey Yalonetsky.

During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the patient’s femoral vein and is then guided to the heart while performing a transesophageal echo. The catheter is used to insert a device that seals the defect and prevents blood from flowing through it. The procedure was performed successfully, with no complications, and the 38-year-old patient, who was feeling well, was even discharged home the next day.

The staff of Hillel Yaffe's Cardiology Division when performing the procedure

Dr. Ofer Kobo, the Cardiology Division physician who performed the procedure, said, “In most cases, after birth, this hole closes automatically as a result of the newborn's first breaths. It is estimated that in one of every 1,000 births, the hole does not close spontaneously, and an atrial septal defect (ASD) develops. This congenital defect can have an impact at any age, depending on the size of the hole, and is generally diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.”

The symptoms of ASD can differ from person to person, depending on the size of the hole and the presence of diseases or additional heart defects. Some people with a small ASD may not experience any symptoms at all and may not require treatment. However, in more serious cases, the symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, fast heart rate, chest pain, swollen legs, ankles and feet and additional heart problems may appear, such as atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure.

HYMC Cardiology Division Director, Prof. Ariel Roguin, said, “Today, in most cases, the standard is to close the defect by catheterization - a minimally invasive procedure with a rapid recovery time and outstanding long-term results. I am delighted that we are able to provide this response to residents of the region. This is a significant milestone in expansion of the services and treatments provided at Hillel Yaffe's Cardiology Department.”