An atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart condition that is characterised by an abnormal opening in the septum. Small ASDs typically do not carry any significant atrial septal defect symptoms or require immediate treatment; larger defects can lead to serious health complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. In such cases, medical intervention, either through surgical repair or a catheter-based procedure, becomes necessary. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the defect.
In some children, the condition often resolves on its own if the defect is small and asymptomatic. However, when the opening is large enough to cause the heart to enlarge or trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, or stroke, timely treatment plays a life-saving role.
If left untreated, ASD can lead to long-term complications such as irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, and lung damage. Therefore, early treatment can improve the chances of recovery and yield high treatment success rates.
Turkey has emerged as a top country for ASD treatment, offering high-quality and cost-effective cardiac treatments at JCI-accredited hospitals by the most experienced cardiac surgeons. Our hospitals offer comprehensive treatment packages that include visa assistance, accommodation, and aftercare, making Turkey a tempting choice for international patients. So if you’re one of those patients looking for cost-effective atrial septal defect treatment in Turkey, this page will be your guide to getting the best quality and most cost-effective atrial septal defect treatment in Turkey.
Although atrial defects tend to be present at birth, many people may not experience any symptoms until they’re far into adulthood. Minor atrial defects often go unnoticed, as they don’t strain your heart or lungs or cause any symptoms. However, one of the most common signs of ASDs is an atrial septal defect murmur, which a healthcare expert may notice while listening to the heart through a stethoscope.
Fatigue, breathing problems, growth delays, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and respiratory infections are common atrial septal defect symptoms, which are often accompanied by an atrial septal defect murmur. The severity of symptoms depends upon the size of the defect and the level of strain it places on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
If you or your child have any of these symptoms, it may indicate a need for atrial septal defect treatment in Turkey:
If you notice any of the given atrial septal defect symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away and book an appointment. When left untreated, a significant atrial septal defect type can cause problems like:
Atrial septal defect treatment in Turkey is personalised to each patient’s condition, depending on factors such as the type and size of the defect, presence of symptoms, and their overall health. Turkish cardiology centres offer the best quality cardiac treatments with advanced technology and by the hands of highly trained specialists. The options for ASD treatment in Turkey are:
Catheter-based ASD closure is one of the most common and preferred surgical procedures that is performed for secundum ASD, especially when the defect is centrally located and has adequate surrounding tissue to anchor the closure device. It is a catheter-based procedure, where your surgeon will thread a catheter through a vein in the groin and lead it towards the heart. A closure device, such as the Amplatzer Septal Occluder, is deployed to seal the hole. The device then expands on both sides of the septal wall and closes the defect. This treatment offers less scarring and a rapid recovery, where patients are discharged 1-2 days after their surgery.
For large, complex, or non-secundum ASDs, open-heart surgery remains the gold standard. If you have indications like large ASDs, non-secundum types, multiple ASDs, or if other heart defects are present, open-heart surgery is the ideal treatment option for you. During this procedure, your chest is cut open to access the heart, while a heart-lung machine temporarily mimics your heart's function. The surgeon repairs the defect using sutures or a synthetic pericardial patch. This treatment option is advantageous when multiple defects or other heart abnormalities are present.
ASD patch repair is a surgical technique that is used for closing larger and more complicated atrial septal defects, particularly when catheter-based closure is unfavourable. This treatment method is considered when the patient experiences primum, sinus venosus, or large secundum ASDs. During this surgery, the heart is connected to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine. A patch is sewn over the defect to close it securely. Fine sutures are further used for precision, durability and safety.
Minimally invasive ASD repair is a new and low-risk ASD repair technique, traditionally performed using catheter-based device closure. It involves robot-assisted or thoracoscopic techniques depending on the facility and is ideal in treating secundum-type ASDs with a good rim for secure anchoring of the closure device. During the procedure, a self-expanding occluder device (e.g., Amplatzer Septal Occluder) is positioned across the defect, which unfolds on either side of the septal defect and closes it. Once the device is positioned correctly, the catheter is withdrawn, and a tiny dressing is applied over the puncture site. This procedure offers a short hospital stay, minimal blood loss, and a quicker return to normal activities.
If you're undergoing transcatheter ASD closure in Turkey, the procedure is performed by highly skilled interventional cardiologists using advanced medical technology. For the procedure you will receive general anesthesia or conscious sedation, depending on your age, health condition, and the surgeon’s recommendation. During an atrial septal defect treatment in Turkey, the following steps are followed:
Recovery after ASD treatment in Turkey depends on the type of procedure that the patient underwent, whether it is catheter-based closure or surgical repair. Your doctor will guide you through a customised recovery plan. You should restrict and limit physical activities after the surgery and try to refrain from performing heavy tasks, especially if you have a surgical ASD closure. However, you can resume your normal activities after catheter-based closure within a week or two. After your atrial septal defect treatment in Turkey, you will likely need to take medications to prevent blood clots for at least six months. You will be provided with pain medications and other drugs to take care of the surgical wounds. Follow the restrictions and other guidelines provided by the doctor to speed up your healing process.
You must be wondering why patients choose Turkey for atrial septal defect surgery. Well, atrial septal defect treatment in Turkey provides a significant cost advantage and a 98% efficacy rate. Here are some of the additional benefits that you can get by choosing Turkey for your treatment:
When compared to many Western nations, the cost of medical treatment in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, is very low, largely due to reduced labour and infrastructure expenses. Despite the lower prices, Turkish hospitals maintain high standards of care, often accredited by international bodies like JCI.
For patients that are needing atrial septal defect treatment, Turkey offers cost savings of up to 60-70% compared to the UK, US, or other European countries. These savings come without compromising the quality of care, as procedures are carried out by experienced cardiac surgeons in internationally accredited hospitals.
For example, transcatheter ASD closure in Istanbul costs around €6,000 - €9,000, while the same procedure can cost anywhere between €20,000 and €30,000 in the UK or US. Open-heart surgical ASD repair is also more affordable in Turkey, with average costs between €10,000 and €14,000, depending on the case complexity.
| Country | Atrial Septal Defect Surgery Cost |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €6,000 - €14,000 |
| Europe | €10,000 - €55,000 |
| UK | €20,000 - €35,000 |
| USA | €25,000 - €50,000 |
Istanbul, the country's most prominent medical tourism city, is known for its advanced cardiac hospitals and internationally accredited healthcare facilities. The city is easily accessible through two major international airports, offering direct flights from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. This makes Istanbul a convenient and popular choice for international patients seeking atrial septal defect treatment.
If you’re planning to travel for atrial septal defect treatment in Turkey, you might need to apply for a medical visa. CureTurkey offers assistance with the application process to make your treatment smooth and stress-free.
Some nationalities, such as UK passport holders, can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa, which is often suitable for short medical trips.
Turkey is famous not only for its world-class healthcare but also for its breathtaking landscapes, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. For patients travelling for Atrial Septal Defect treatment in Turkey, the city offers much more than advanced medical care. It provides a chance to explore east and West, modern life and ancient tradition.
While you're in Istanbul for treatment, you can enjoy the city's famous attractions during your recovery period or before your procedure, depending on your doctor's advice.
Top places to visit in Istanbul during your medical stay are:
For those wanting tranquillity after an ASD procedure, luxury Bosphorus cruises are a great way to unwind, both solo and with family. Half-day tours are also available, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing experience without overexerting yourself.
