
Congenital heart disease in adults: minimally invasive treatment options
Living with congenital heart disease? You're not alone. Many adults discover that heart conditions present since birth may require specialized medical attention. At Elytis Hospital, we offer advanced solutions through minimally invasive interventional cardiology to treat a variety of congenital heart diseases.
What is congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease is an abnormal heart structure present at birth. They can affect:
- Heart walls: atrial septal defects (ASD) or ventricular septal defects (VSD) - holes in the walls that separate the chambers of the heart.
- Heart valves: stenosis (narrowing) or insufficiency (incomplete closure) of the valves.
- Blood vessels: coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the aorta), patent ductus arteriosus (fetal duct between the aorta and pulmonary artery does not close).
These conditions can vary in severity and may be asymptomatic in childhood. However, in adulthood, symptoms may appear, such as:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Leg swelling
- Cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration)
Interventional Cardiology at Elytis Hospital: A Modern Approach
The Elytis Hospitalinterventional cardiology offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for certain congenital heart diseases. Our procedures are performed through small incisions using special catheters and devices under advanced imaging guidance.
Interventional cardiology procedures for congenital heart disease include:
- DSA/DSV Closure: Umbrella devices are inserted through the catheter and placed in the defect, closing it.
- Persistent patent ductus arteriosus closure: A special device is implanted to close the duct.
- Valvuloplasty: Dilating stenosed valves with a balloon.
- Stenting: The placement of a stent (metal tube) to keep an artery or valve open.
Benefits of Interventional Cardiology at Elytis Hospital
Compared to open heart surgery, interventional cardiology offers:
- Smaller incisions: Reduce pain and risk of infection.
- Faster recovery: return to normal activities in a shorter time.
- Shorter hospitalization: reduced costs and minimal impact on the patient's life.
- Excellent results: the success of procedures is comparable to surgery in many cases.
At Elytis Hospital, you benefit from:
- State-of-the-art technology: advanced imaging equipment for maximum precision.
- Experienced interventional cardiologists: Our team specializes in treating complex cases.
- Personalized care: treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.
- Safety and comfort: Patient well-being is our priority.
Congenital Heart Disease Treated by Interventional Cardiology at Elytis Hospital
1. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
ASD is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two atria of the heart. At Elytis Hospital, the ASD can be closed with a special device inserted through a catheter. This minimally invasive procedure avoids the need for open-heart surgery.
2. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
VSD is a hole in the septum separating the ventricles of the heart. Similar to ASD, many VSDs can be successfully closed by interventional cardiology at Elytis Hospital.
3. Persistent Canal Arterial Persistence (PCA)
PCA is a condition in which the ductus arteriosus, a normal connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery in the fetus, does not close after birth. At Elytis HospitalPCA can be closed with a special device implanted through a catheter.
4. Aortic coarctation
Aortic coarctation is a narrowing of the aorta that can obstruct blood flow. At Elytis Hospitalaortic coarctation can be treated with balloon angioplasty and stenting, minimally invasive procedures that widen the narrowed area.
5. Valvular Stenosis
Valvular stenosis is a narrowing of a heart valve, which can restrict blood flow. At Elytis Hospitalballoon valvuloplasty can be used to dilate the stenotic valve.
Why choose Elytis Hospital for the treatment of congenital heart disease?
The Elytis Hospitalwe are dedicated to providing the best care for patients with congenital heart disease. Our team of experienced interventional cardiologists use state-of-the-art technologies to provide minimally invasive, personalized, personalized treatments with excellent outcomes.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the treatment options available at Elytis Hospital.
Latest medical review:
20.02.2025, Dr. Matei Theodor Theodor Iulian - Medical Specialist
References:
- Bagge, Carina N., et. al. "Risk of Dementia in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: Population-Based Cohort Study." Circulation, 2018, vol. 137, no. 18.
- Brida, Margarita, Gatzoulis, Michael A."Adult congenital heart disease: past, present and future". Acta Paediatrica, 2019, vol. 108, no. 10, pg. 1757 - 1764.
- Brida, Margarita, Gatzoulis, Michael A."Pulmonary arterial hypertension in adult congenital heart disease". Heart, 2018, vol. 104, pg. 1568 - 1574.
- Risk of coronary artery disease in adults with congenital heart disease: A comparison with the general population". International Journal of Cardiology, 2020, vol. 304, pg. 39 - 42.
- Menachem, Jonathan N., et. al. "Advanced Heart Failure in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease." JACC: Heart Failure, 2020, vol. 8, no. 2, pg. 87 - 99.
- Niwa, Koichiro (dr.)."Adult Congenital Heart Disease with Pregnancy." The Korean Society of Cardiology, 2018, vol. 48, no. 4, pg. 251 - 276.
- Radke, Robert M., et. al."Adult congenital heart disease and the COVID-19 pandemic". Heart, 2020, vol. 106, pg. 1302 - 1309.