Results of surgical closure of isolated secundum atrial septal defect

Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing surgical closure of an isolated secundum atrial septal defect, at the Postgraduate Institute, Chandigarh between January 1974 and June 2000 was performed. 740 patients were divided into two groups. Group I. Included 435 patients under 20 yrs of age (223 male), 315 (72%) were asymptomatic, 265(61%) were in sinus rhythm. Group II. included 305 patients between 21 and 53 years (96 males), 27 patients (9%) were asymptomatic, 102(33%) were in sinus rhythm. Cardiopulmonary bypass with fibrillatory arrest and/or cold blood cardioplegia were used. In group I 291 patients (67%0 and in group II 64 patients (54%) underwent direct closure of the defect. In the remaining a patch was used for closure. Results There was 1 early death in group I (0.2%) and four in group II (1.3%) 96% of symptomatic patients in group I and 87% of patients in group II were improved. There were no instances of residual shunt. Follow up ranged from 6 months to 25 years (mean 8.3 yrs) and was 89% complete. Conclusions Closure of isolated secundum ASD is best performed before the patient attains adulthood.