A tale of two ASDs—Compliance matters

Abstract

Key Points Patients with secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) who have pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum or critical pulmonary stenosis, exhibit different ASD physiology compared to patients with isolated secundum ASDs. The indication and timing of secundum ASD closure in these patients should be made on a case‐by‐case basis. Long‐term assessment of the physiological consequences of secundum ASD closure in this group of patients should be kept in mind, as these patients have right ventricles that represent a spectrum ranging from significantly restrictive right ventricles, to right ventricles with normal compliance.