Atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall between the upper two chambers of the heart (atria). This is a defect that you are born with due to improper formation of the wall. In adulthood, the hole can lead to shortness of breath or stroke. For such patients, closure of the hole is recommended to halt further enlargement of the heart or reduce the risk for additional strokes. In most cases, this can be done via a small puncture in the groin without the need for open-heart surgery or stopping the heart. A collapsible disc is introduced across the hole via a flexible tube called a catheter. The disc effectively closes the hole and grows into the heart over time. Most patients are able to walk on the same day and can be discharged home the following day.

A patent foramen ovale is a flap-like opening in the wall between the upper two chambers of the heart (atria) which normally closes completely at the time of birth. In some patients, however, the flap can open and result in symptoms such as shortness of breath or stroke.  For such patients, closure of the communication between the upper chambers is recommended to halt further enlargement of the heart or reduce the risk for additional strokes. This can be done via a small puncture in the groin without the need for open-heart surgery or stopping the heart. A collapsible disc is introduced across the hole via a flexible tube called a catheter. The disc effectively closes the hole and grows into the heart over time. Most patients are able to walk on the same day and can be discharged home the following day.

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