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
PFO, ASD AND VSD REPAIR
Minimally invasive surgery to close a hole in the heart
What is a hole in the heart?
A hole in the heart is a congenital condition whereby the wall between two chambers within the heart is not fully closed so that the heart may not be able to pump blood efficiently around the body.
This condition can be diagnosed in childhood, or may not be diagnosed until later in life. We offer a range of minimally invasive procedures to close these defects that do not require open heart surgery.
Need to know
Your consultant will make a small cut at the top of the leg and insert a thin tube known as a catheter. They'll use imaging technology, such as a fluoroscopy or echocardiography, to guide this into the heart.
A long tube can then be guided into the heart through the catheter. It contains a special closure device that will be positioned through the defect. Once in place, an umbrella-like disc will open on each side of the defect to seal it. The procedure will take place under general anaesthetic.
Your consultant will advise you on how to prepare for hole in the heart closure surgery, and they'll explain any possible risks and side effects which it may involve. As you or your child will be having a general anaesthetic, your consultant will advise on how long to avoid eating or drinking beforehand.
You or your child will be in intensive care immediately after the procedure, and will probably stay in hospital for at least a few days afterwards. You might expect a prescription of antibiotics to prevent infection, and pain relief may be needed too.
Experiencing tiredness with exercise is common for a period afterwards. Your consultant will tell you when you or your child can expect to return to a normal routine, including work, school and exercise.
Our Hole in the heart surgery locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.