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Repairing a Hole in the Heart

The foramen ovale is an opening that allows blood to flow between the upper chambers of the heart. Normally, this opening closes shortly after birth. In some people, however, the hole does not close. This condition is called patient foramen ovale (PFO), and it’s estimated that up to 25 percent of the population has it. For some it can increase the risk of stroke. In the past, patients with PFO who suffered strokes had only two options: open heart surgery to repair the hole or a lifetime of blood-thinning medication. Saint Vincent cardiologists introduced the region to an alternative. They use a patch to cover the hole during a minimally invasive catheter procedure. PFO closure usually takes only an hour or two. Most patients can go home the next day and can return to work immediately.