Dear Proseydas,
Transcatheter placement
of an atrial septal defect occluder device in experienced hands has replaced
surgical closure of secundum ASDs, by and large. Usually, these children have this done around ages 3 to 5 years. The device is placed through a catheter into the defect while the child is under anesthesia; there is no associated pain and, although an IV is placed, these children do not need prolonged hydration or feeding separate from what they take in by mouth.