Patient's question:
The baby is 1 year and 1 month old. The echocardiogram and MRI report state: interatrial septal echo interruption of about 4.6mm-5.6mm, left-to-right shunt; CDFI: tricuspid regurgitation, color jet area 0.2cm2. MRI conclusion: congenital heart disease (atrial septal defect). I want to ask the doctor, can babies of this age undergo surgery? If not, how old do they need to be before surgery can be performed?Doctor's answer:
Usually, a surgical procedure is required for atrial septal defects (ASDs) larger than 5mm, and the surgery is also related to the location of the ASD and the child's age. Children undergoing ASD surgery must be older than 3 years and weigh more than 10kg. For ASDs ranging from 5mm to 36mm, a transcatheter intervention can be performed. However, if the ASD is larger or the defect is relatively simple, transcatheter intervention is not recommended. Smaller ASDs do not cause significant interference to the body and are generally not recommended for surgery, as the occluder used in the surgical material is a double-umbrella-shaped device, requiring a relatively suitable position around the ASD for placement.