Patent foraman ovale closure

Repair of a hole in the heart. If you have a hole in the heart known as patent foramen ovale, our HCA UK cardiologists can treat you with closure surgery.

Enquiries & Appointments

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Need to know

PFO closure can be carried out under local anaesthetic. The procedure lasts around one hour. Your surgeon will pass an ultrasound probe down your throat to assess the hole in your heart more clearly (transoesophageal echocardiogram). They'll then insert a catheter into a vein in your groin and pass it up to your heart. The catheter has a small balloon inside to measure the size of the hole. A device with two umbrellas will then be passed through the catheter. The umbrellas sit on either side of the hole in your heart. As the umbrellas open, they will help to close the hole. Your consultant will finish by removing the catheter.

Your consultant will explain the patent foramen ovale closure to you, and answer any questions you might have. Prior to the procedure you will undergo tests to assess the hole in your heart.

his will likely include an echocardiogram, which gives your consultant clear information on the size, structure and function of your heart. You will also be advised on food and drink intake, and you should wear loose fitted clothing on the day of surgery.

Immediately after the PFO closure, you will be attached to a cardiac monitor for a few hours. This is to measure your heart rate and rhythm. An electrical sensor will also be attached to your finger, measuring your oxygen levels. You will likely stay overnight in hospital.

Whilst here you will have two more heart scans, one is called an echo and the other is an ECG. If the scans show that you are okay, you should be able to go home. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work and exercise.

Our Patent foraman ovale closure consultants

Professor Neil Ruparelia

Professor Neil Ruparelia

Cardiology

Dr. Kevin O'Gallagher

Dr. Kevin O'Gallagher

Cardiology

Dr Brian Clapp

Dr Brian Clapp

Cardiology

Dr Punit Ramrakha

Dr Punit Ramrakha

Cardiology

Our Patent foraman ovale closure locations

The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.