CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Hole-in-the-heart surgery
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Results within 48 hours
- 99% of patients recommend us to family and friends
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Hole-in-the-heart surgery at HCA UK
Why choose us?
If you show signs of a congenital heart condition, our expert cardiology team will make sure you get answers quickly. Our consultant cardiologists review every test in detail to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a clear, personalised treatment plan for hole-in-the-heart surgery.
As the UK's number one private cardiovascular care provider, we support more than 36,000 cardiac patients every year. You'll receive exceptional cardiac care across our network of hospitals and state-of-the-art facilities. We offer rapid appointments, expert diagnosis and quick results so you can gain peace of mind.
As the UK's number one private cardiovascular care provider, we support more than 36,000 cardiac patients every year. You'll receive exceptional cardiac care across our network of hospitals and state-of-the-art facilities. We offer rapid appointments, expert diagnosis and quick results so you can gain peace of mind.
Hole-in-the-heart surgery treats a congenital cardiac condition where the wall between two chambers of the heart hasn't fully closed. This opening can reduce the heart's efficiency in pumping blood around the body, which may lead to symptoms such as breathlessness, tiredness, or reduced exercise tolerance.
Some people are diagnosed in early childhood, while others only discover the condition later in life, sometimes following routine tests. We offer a range of minimally invasive procedures to close these defects without open heart surgery, helping you recover and return to daily life more quickly.
Some people are diagnosed in early childhood, while others only discover the condition later in life, sometimes following routine tests. We offer a range of minimally invasive procedures to close these defects without open heart surgery, helping you recover and return to daily life more quickly.
A hole in the heart can cause a wide range of symptoms, and some people may not notice any signs for many years. Symptoms depend on the size and location of the defect, as well as the extra pressure it places on the heart. Common signs include:
- Breathlessness or difficulty keeping up with gentle activity
- Tiredness or fatigue that appears suddenly or doesn't improve
- Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs or feet in more advanced cases
- Stroke, particularly in younger people without any other known risk factors
If you experience these symptoms, your cardiac consultant can arrange tests and discuss whether hole-in-the-heart surgery may be suitable.
Hole-in-the-heart surgery can involve several minimally invasive approaches, and your cardiology consultant will choose the most suitable option based on your test results and symptoms. These procedures help restore healthy blood flow and long-term heart function. Treatment options include:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO): Closure for small openings (a flap) between the upper chambers
- Atrial septal defect (ASD): Repair for larger defects in the atrial wall
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD): Repair for openings between the lower chambers
Your consultant will talk you through any potential risks linked to hole-in-the-heart surgery, so you feel informed and reassured. Most risks are rare and can be managed quickly if they occur. These may include:
- Mild bleeding or bruising where the catheter is inserted
- Temporary irregular heart rhythms
- Reactions to anaesthetic medicines
Your cardiology team will monitor you closely during and after the procedure. They'll also explain which symptoms to look out for once you're home and when to contact the team for advice.
Your cardiology consultant will guide you through every step of preparing for hole-in-the-heart surgery. As the procedure involves a general anaesthetic, you'll be given guidance on how long to avoid eating or drinking beforehand.
You may also be asked to update your medical history, bring a list of medications or attend pre-surgery tests. Preparation may include:
- Arranging for someone to support you at home after the procedure
- Wearing comfortable clothing on the day
- Asking any questions you have about recovery or follow-up care
250+
Cardiology consultants for you to choose from
36,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
48 hours
Fast access to diagnostic test results
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 5 hospitals and 15 diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Your hole-in-the-heart surgery at HCA UK
What to expect
Hole-in-the-heart surgery can feel overwhelming. We're here to guide you through every stage with clear explanations and support so you always know what to expect. From your first appointment to recovery at home, our cardiology team will make sure you feel informed and cared for.
01
Initial consultation
Your journey will begin with a consultation with your cardiology specialist. They'll listen to your symptoms, review your medical history and discuss how you're feeling. They'll explain the condition in simple terms and outline each stage of diagnosis and treatment.
02
Tests and scans
Your cardiology consultant may arrange an echocardiogram, a bubble echocardiogram, a transoesophageal echocardiogram, ECG or cardiac MRI to help them examine the size and position of your heart defect. These tests and scans also help them see how well your heart is functioning. The results guide them in choosing the most effective approach for hole-in-the-heart surgery.
03
Preparing for your treatment
If your consultant recommends surgery, they'll explain how to prepare and talk through any risks or side effects, so you feel confident about the next steps. As hole-in-the-heart surgery involves a general anaesthetic, they'll advise how long you should avoid eating or drinking.
04
Treatment
During hole-in-the-heart surgery, your consultant will make a small cut at the top of the leg and insert a catheter into a blood vessel. Using imaging such as fluoroscopy or echocardiography, they'll guide it gently into the heart. A special device is passed through the catheter, and umbrella-like discs open on each side of the defect to seal it.
05
Follow-up care
Following surgery, after a short stay in recovery, you will then be moved back to the ward. Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection and pain relief can help with discomfort. Feeling tired during activity is common at first. Your consultant will advise when you can return to work, school and regular exercise safely.
Our locations
We provide hole-in-the-heart surgery across our hospital network in London. You'll receive expert care from the moment you get in touch. Your cardiology consultant will explain the procedure in simple terms and guide you through each stage, taking the time to answer your questions.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Hole-in-the-heart surgery FAQs
Most people recover within a few days, although many experience tiredness during activity. Follow-up appointments will help ensure your heart is healing as expected. Your cardiology consultant will explain when you can return to work and normal activities.
Minimally invasive treatments for a hole in the heart have very high success rates. Many patients notice improvements in symptoms, better circulation, and long-term protection against potential complications. Your consultant will explain what this means for you and discuss your expected outcome.
Your cardiology team may recommend gentle exercise, a healthy diet and good hydration after your surgery. These steps can help support your recovery and improve your overall heart health.
Yes, a hole in the heart can be detected at an early age. Children can have minimally invasive closure procedures. Your child's paediatric cardiology specialists will assess their condition and recommend the best approach.
If left untreated, some (larger) defects can lead to complications such as arrhythmias, breathlessness, heart enlargement or, in rare cases, stroke. Your consultant will monitor the condition closely and advise when surgery is recommended to protect your long-term heart health.
No, not always. Your suitability for hole-in-the-heart surgery will depend on the type and size of the defect, your symptoms and your overall health. Your cardiology consultant will recommend the safest and most effective treatment for you.
Our patient stories
"I thought I'd never dive again"
Aithne was diagnosed with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or a ‘hole in the heart', and was treated by Dr Brian Clapp, Consultant Cardiologist at London Bridge Hospital, so she could get back to doing the thing she loved most: diving.
“From the initial consultation to the surgery taking place, it took just six weeks. It could have been even quicker, but I delayed the procedure as I wanted to think about all my options first.”
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