Jared Davis, MD, an Archbold interventional cardiologist practicing with Cardiovascular Consultants of South Georgia, recently performed a minimally invasive procedure to close a patent foramen ovale (PFO). During fetal development, a small flap-like opening called the foramen ovale exists between the upper left and right chambers of the heart. This opening usually closes shortly after birth, but when it does not, the condition is called PFO.
PFO is present in approximately 25% of the population. While many people do not experience symptoms, others can experience serious symptoms or medical events such as stroke, blood clots in the arteries or hypoxemia (low oxygen). For these individuals, the opening in the heart wall must be closed. “PFO closure is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a specialized device inserted through a catheter that expands inside the PFO and closes the defect,” Dr. Davis said. “With the device in place, blood and blood clots are unable to flow through the opening and future serious events, like stroke, can be avoided.”
A layer of heart tissue will heal around the device, furthering this closure. Patients typically return home the same day. “The PFO closure procedure is just one part of our continued advancements and investments in region-leading cardiac care,” said Chris Newman, vice president of clinical services at Archbold. “Our recently renovated cath lab and other new procedures offered at Archbold reflect our dedication to patient outcomes and safety.”