What is a secundum atrial septal defect?

ASD, A hole...: A secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole between the upper two chambers of the heart. Small hole are followed, monitored to determine if the heart is becoming dilated due to the extra work. Most secundum asds can be closed in the pediatric or adult cath lab using a amplatzer or gore septal occluder. Open heart surgery is required in a small percentage of patients.

A communication: A communication between the right and left atrium is called a atrial septal defect. Its a congential defect. The secundum type is in the middle of the septum and easily fixed with surgery or catheters.

ASD: An atrial septal defect is a common congenital geart defect. It is a hole in the atrial septum - the wall between the left and right atrium. This lets blood flow from the left into right atrium (usually). If not caught at an early age, it results in excessive blood to right side of heart and lungs. Fixed with surgery (sutyred closed) or with a umbrella like device via cath.

Asd: There are many interventional devices on the market to close defects between the the filling chambers of the heart. Surgery is rarely needed.

Ostium secundum ASD: See image. Agree with other doctors' answers but a picture is worth a 1000 words sometimes.

Hole between atria: A secundum atrial septal defect is the most common of the 4 types of atrial septal defects. This occurs when a hole develops in the tissue separating the l and r collecting chambers of the heart. Some small and moderate sized secundum asds will close in time in children, but larger ones, and ones that persist to adulthood, often require surgical or catheter-based closure.