Introduction: Open heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass started in the world by atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. In Burkina
Faso, West Africa, open heart surgery was started in January 2021 with an operating closure of ASD (O-ASD) at the University
Hospital of Tengandogo. The aim of this study was to report the early results of the first 15 cases of O-ASD that were performed
in West Africa. Materials and Methods: Over a period of 2 years from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, 15 patients (eight
female patients and seven male patients) consecutively underwent standard closure through the right atrium. The mean age was 15.7
years (range, 3–42 years). Outcomes were defined according to cardiopulmonary and aortic cross-clamp time, intensive care unit stay
time, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results: All the patients presented with secundum ASD with an average size of
20.3 mm (range, 10–32 mm). Overall, 86.7% of the patients presented with dilated right chambers, and 40% with a mild-to-moderate
pulmonary hypertension. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 76.9 min (46–150 min), and the mean aortic cross-clamp time
was 39.8 min (range, 18–86 min). The postoperative course was uneventful in 14 patients (93.3%). During the study period, one patient
died from consecutive complications including neurologic deficit, acute renal insufficiency and septic shock. Conclusion: In Burkina
Faso, the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases has been performed late when complications have already appeared. However, O-ASD
is now feasible in Burkina Faso as a safe and efficient procedure. Key actions to perform are promoting prenatal diagnosis and early
correction.

Atrial septal defect, Burkina Faso, congenital heart surgery, open heart surgery, surgical closure