A hole in the septum between the heart’s two upper chambers is called an atrial septal defect (ASD). A hole in the septum between the heart’s two lower chambers is called a ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Surgical closure of the defect is recommended if the defect is large or if symptoms occur. Non-surgical closure involves the introduction of a closure device into the heart through catheters. A tiny incision is made in the groin to introduce the catheters. They are then advanced into the heart where the closure devise is placed across the ASD and the defect is closed.