Patent Foramen Ovale Treatment In Phoenix
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If you were born with a hole in your heart that never closed, known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), you may need a procedure to correct it. Penn Medicine cardiologists use interventional techniques to close a patent foramen ovale without opening your chest for surgery.
A PFO closure is only utilized if a patient has experienced a stroke, and other causes of stroke and blood clots have been ruled out. A patient with a PFO without a history of stroke would not require a PFO closure and may continue to live a healthy life with this incidental finding.
Treatment most often requires a procedure called cardiac catheterization, which is performed by a trained cardiologist to permanently seal the PFO.
Surgical closure during heart surgery - A cardiac surgeon can stitch shut the PFO hole. This surgical heart procedure can be accomplished with a tiny incision and robotic techniques.
During the procedure, an interventional cardiologist: Makes a tiny incision in your groin and inserts a catheter into a blood vessel. Uses ultrasound imaging to get a closer view of the PFO. May guide a deflated balloon through the catheter and move it to the PFO.
Your groin may have a bruise and feel sore for a few days. This is where the catheter was inserted into your blood vessel. You can do light activities around your home. But don't do anything strenuous until your doctor says it is okay.
You may be asleep for the procedure, or you may get a sedative to help you relax. Your doctor makes a small cut in your groin. Then the catheter, with tools inside it, is put into your blood vessel and carefully guided to your heart. Your doctor moves the tip of the catheter to place a small device inside the PFO.
You may be asleep for the procedure, or you may get a sedative to help you relax. Your doctor makes a small cut in your groin. Then the catheter, with tools inside it, is put into your blood vessel and carefully guided to your heart. Your doctor moves the tip of the catheter to place a small device inside the PFO.
