Spire Nottingham treats its 100th NHS PFO case
04 July 2022
Spire Nottingham Hospital reached a milestone last week, treating its 100th NHS PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale closure) case which is a ground breaking procedure to repair a hole in the heart to prevent stroke recurrence.
Spire Nottingham Hospital has one of the largest stroke prevention programmes in the UK supporting the NHS with its COVID-19 recovery which started in May 2021. The PFO procedure itself is completed through the groin (percutaneously) and into the heart which has minimal impact on the patient and also allows the patient to go home the same day. This takes place in a state-of-the-art hybrid theatre with an expert clinical team led by Professor Jan Kovac at Spire Nottingham Hospital.
Spire Nottingham Hospital's Cardiology team
Consultant Cardiologist, Professor Jan Kovac said: "Stroke in younger age is rare but a devastating event. There are multiple factors which can cause it, one of them can be caused by a little hole in the heart, through which a clot can travel to brain with devastating effect.
Cardiologists can prevent such a life changing event by "plugging" the hole during a keyhole procedure performed in a catheter laboratory. Due to the ongoing pandemic, there is a waiting list in providing this procedure, which has contributed to significant anxieties among patients who are need of the procedure.
Spire Nottingham Hospital has the most modern, state of the art cardiac hybrid theatre to perform such sophisticated procedures. Thanks to the leadership of the hospital and dedication of the cardiac unit staff, we have been able to successfully treat over 100 patients from the region."
Tom Ryder, Hospital Director said: "At Spire Nottingham Hospital we are delighted with the development of our interventional cardiology service treating patients from across the East Midlands. Our innovative relationship with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has seen us support with much needed capacity and deliver our landmark 100th PFO case. This NHS activity has supported the overall growth of our service and brought additional investment into our team and facilities."
For more information please contact:- Nottinghamhospcardiologyteam@spirehealthcare.com