Prognosis

The prognosis of interatrial communications without pulmonary vascular obstructive disease is excellent. The surgical mortality of an uncomplicated closure of an interatrial communication is less than 0.5%.[30]​

Transcatheter closure of interatrial communications has shown equivalent results compared with surgery, but a higher long-term re-intervention rate.[31]​ Older age at the time of repair of an interatrial communication is associated with a higher rate of adverse events.[32]​ Life expectancy in patients with uncomplicated defects is equivalent to that of the normal population.

The incidence of device erosion is <1%, and likely <1 in 1000.[33]

Shunt reversal with inoperable Eisenmenger's physiology is associated with a poor prognosis, as is persistent or recurrent pulmonary hypertension after surgical repair.[10]​

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