Congenital heart diseases can, though rarely, be diagnosed in adulthood.
In particular, ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) is a condition in which there is an abnormal opening between the two atria of the heart, which should not be present in adults. Over time, this can cause fatigue and palpitations.
While in the womb, since the lungs are not functioning, there must be a natural opening between the atria called the foramen ovale. After birth, once the lungs begin to function, this opening normally closes, and in a healthy heart there should be no passage between the right and left sides. However, if parts of the heart fail to develop fully during fetal growth, congenital heart diseases may occur.
Most of these conditions are diagnosed and treated immediately after birth or during childhood. Some, however, do not cause noticeable physical strain in childhood and therefore may remain undetected until adulthood. Over time, the passage between the right and left sides of the heart increases pressure in the pulmonary arteries, placing strain on the heart. As this pressure rises, shortness of breath with exertion and palpitations become evident. Initially, palpitations occur only during exertion, but if the defect is not closed, it can eventually lead to permanent arrhythmia.
ASD (commonly called a “heart hole”) develops when part of the septum (the wall between the right and left atria) fails to form properly (Figure 1). The size of the defect and the quality of the surrounding tissue determine the treatment method. If the defect is small and surrounded by adequate tissue, it can often be closed non-surgically with a closure device inserted through the groin. However, if the defect is large and the surrounding tissue quality is insufficient, the closure device cannot anchor properly, and surgical closure is required. In such cases, the hole is typically closed with a patch prepared from the pericardium (the membrane surrounding the heart).
In some patients, the location of the defect is close to the superior vena cava (SVC), the main vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the brain and upper body to the heart. Just below the defect are the veins that bring oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left atrium. This condition is known as a Superior Sinus Venosus Defect (Figure 2).
In such cases, even if the hole is small, it cannot be closed with a device and must be treated surgically.
If a congenital heart defect (hole in the heart) requires surgical closure, it can generally be repaired through standard open-heart surgery or minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
With the endoscopic technique, a very small incision (about 3 cm) is made around the breast tissue, and a 3D camera is placed inside the chest cavity. Through this approach, the heart defect is closed using a patch. This procedure is essentially the same as a robotic heart surgery. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 3–4 days and return to their normal daily life within two weeks.
We are available 24/7 with our experienced team to provide patients with all the benefits of total endoscopic cardiac surgery.
"In rare cases, congenital heart diseases can be diagnosed even in adulthood."
In rare cases, congenital heart diseases can be diagnosed even in adulthood.