Cardiac tumor excision in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients, particularly those with atrial septal defects (ASD) and ventricular septal defects (VSD), involves the surgical removal of tumors located within the heart. ACHD refers to structural heart defects that are present at birth and persist into adulthood. Here’s an overview:

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD):

• An atrial septal defect is a congenital heart defect where there is an abnormal opening in the atrial septum, the wall that separates the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart.
• This defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to flow into the right atrium, which can lead to increased blood volume in the right side of the heart and lungs.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD):

• A ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening in the ventricular septum, the wall that separates the two lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.
• This opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle, leading to increased blood volume in the lungs and potential strain on the heart.

Cardiac Tumor Excision:

• Cardiac tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors are more common and include myxomas, fibromas, and papillary fibroelastomas.
• These tumors can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, or embolic events (e.g., stroke) if pieces of the tumor break off and travel through the bloodstream.
• Surgical excision of cardiac tumors involves accessing the heart through open-heart surgery techniques.
• During surgery, the tumor is carefully removed while preserving surrounding healthy tissue and ensuring the structural integrity of the heart.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Surgery:

• ACHD surgery refers to surgical interventions performed in adults with congenital heart defects.
• Patients with ASD and VSD may require surgical repair or closure of the defects to prevent complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, and stroke.
• Surgical techniques for ASD and VSD closure include direct suture closure, patch closure, and minimally invasive approaches such as transcatheter closure.
• The choice of surgical technique depends on the size, location, and complexity of the defect, as well as the patient’s overall health and anatomy.

Postoperative Care and Recovery:

• Following cardiac tumor excision and ASD/VSD repair surgery, patients require careful monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU) and step-down units.
• Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the surgery and individual patient factors.
• Patients may need to take medications to manage pain, prevent infection, and prevent blood clots.
• Cardiac rehabilitation programs may be recommended to optimize recovery and improve cardiovascular fitness.

In summary, cardiac tumor excision and surgical repair of ASD/VSD in adult congenital heart disease patients aim to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve long-term outcomes. These surgical interventions require a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes.