An atrial septal defect (ASD) is an abnormal opening in
the wall that separates the atria, or upper chambers of the
heart. This opening, which is present in fetal hearts, normally
closes after birth. Many people with an ASD experience no
symptoms until they reach their 40s. If surgery is necessary,
ASDs can be repaired by sewing the hole closed or by securing
a patch over the opening. The da Vinci® S Surgical System
enables surgeons to correct ASDs with small incisions between
the ribs, instead of using the traditional “open chest” surgery.
This significantly reduces pain and scarring, the risk of
infection and patient recovery time.
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