Treatment options for holes in the heart
Small holes between the upper chambers of the heart may be categorized as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO). An ASD is a congenital heart defect, a condition that you are born with. PFOs can occur only after birth when the foramen ovale fails to close.
Our adult congenital heart program is one of the few programs in the nation that cares for the complex needs of adult congenital heart patients. Our physicians have specialized training in managing these unique conditions and anticipating possible future complications.
What to expect from treatment of ASD and PFO
Treatment for ASD and PFO will vary based on your symptoms and the severity of the condition.
Treatments may include:
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A closure device: Implants to block the hole can be placed using catheters
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Medications: Your doctor may recommend medications to treat symptoms such as migraines or high blood pressure
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Surgical closure: Open surgery may be performed to close the hole using sutures or a tissue patch
Your doctor may recommend treatment for symptoms or if you’re at risk for developing complications such as arrhythmia, heart failure, or stroke.
Conditions
Aortic valve disease
Aortic valve disease is a type of heart valve disease that occurs when the valve between your aorta (the largest blood vessel) and the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) doesn’t work as it should.
Atrial septal defect (ASD)
An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall that separates the top two chambers of the heart (atria), allowing blood to leak between the chambers.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
Patent foramen ovale is a congenital heart condition in which the naturally occurring opening between the heart’s upper chambers does not close after birth.
Pulmonary valve disease
Pulmonary valve disease includes several conditions that affect the pulmonary valve, through which blood passes as it travels from the heart to the lungs.
Tricuspid valve disease
Tricuspid valve disease refers to several diseases of the heart’s tricuspid valve, through which blood passes as it travels from the heart’s right atrium to the right ventricle.
Tests
Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Transesophageal echocardiogram allows us to take very detailed images of your heart structure from a probe in your esophagus.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Ammar S Bafi, MD
Valvular Disease Cardiology, Structural Heart Disease Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery
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Cierra Bruck, PA-C
Cardiac Surgery
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Ashley Chenoweth, AGACNP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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John V Conte, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Laura Lee Cramer-Joyce, ANP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Susan L. Davis, ACNP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Jonathan R. Gower, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Carolin Hanna, AGACNP-BC
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Rachel E Harrison, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Maria Gina Heyrana
Cardiac Surgery
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Yuji Kawano, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Kathleen J. Lavery, ACNP-BC, MSN, APRN
Cardiac Surgery
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Nicole M Monte-Bovi, AGACNP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Susan Thornton Oyola, AGACNP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Christian Charles Shults, MD
Valvular Disease Cardiology, Structural Heart Disease Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery
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Elizabeth C. Sullivan, ANP-BC, CRNP
Cardiac Surgery
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Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 E. University Pkwy. Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20010
Additional information
Adult congenital heart center
When you’re born with a heart problem, you may need complex care throughout your life. Our experts tailor this specialized care to your unique needs.
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.