Whether or not a 62 year old man diagnosed with an atrial septal defect is still suitable for surgery cannot be generalized; age is not an absolute contraindication and needs to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Once an atrial septal defect is diagnosed, whether surgery can be performed depends mainly on the pulmonary artery pressure and whether it is combined with other cardiac problems, and should be considered in conjunction with the patient’s physical state. Correction of atrial septal defects can help improve the patient’s cardiopulmonary status and prolong life expectancy. Atrial septal surgery is categorized into atrial septal defect occlusion and atrial septal defect repair. Atrial septal defect blocking surgery has less anesthetic risk, less trauma, quicker recovery and shorter hospitalization than repair surgery, but there are certain requirements for the condition of the defect, and it is recommended that blocking surgery be preferred if it meets the conditions for blocking surgery. Repair surgery, although more traumatic, can be used to manage all types of atrial septal defects, and is especially suitable for the combination of other intracardiac malformations. After a patient has been diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, he or she should see a cardiovascular surgeon for a full evaluation and to choose the best treatment option.