Heart Center cardiologist Sanjay K. Gandhi, M.D., assistant professor of medicine will perform a congenital heart defect repair live on the Internet Tuesday, June 6 at 5 p.m. The procedure will be narrated by his colleague, cardiologist Renato M. Santos, M.D., assistant professor of medicine.
About the Procedure
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital heart defect found in 20 percent of all adults. It occurs when a fetal opening in the wall (septum) between the left and right atrium—the upper chambers of the heart—doesn't close after birth. This residual tunnel can potentially allow blood to leak between these chambers.
Most people don't suffer any ill effects. In fact, many people are not aware that they even have the abnormality. However, doctors believe some young adults with this heart defect may be at risk of suffering a thromboembolic stroke caused by blood clots that form and travel to the heart and then to the brain. Often, the defect is not discovered until after the patient has suffered such a stroke.