Shifa Hospital Successfully Performs Catheter-Based Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in a Young Stroke Survivor

Shifa Hospital Successfully Performs Catheter-Based Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in a Young Stroke Survivor

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman – June 2025 – Shifa Hospital has announced the successful completion of a precise medical procedure involving the catheter-based closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a young patient with a history of cryptogenic (unexplained) stroke. The procedure was performed by the hospital’s cardiac team, led by Dr.Fahad Al Kindi, Senior Consultant in Cardiac Catheterization and Structural Interventions, in collaboration with Dr. Aruna Wijesinghe, Cardiologist, Dr. Mithun Shetty, Anesthesiologist, along with the nursing and technical team in the catheterization department. A patent foramen ovale is a small opening between the atria of the heart that may persist after birth in some individuals, allowing blood clots to pass into the brain’s circulation, potentially causing unexplained strokes. Catheter-based closure is a minimally invasive procedure that typically takes less than an hour when performed by experienced specialists and significantly reduces the risk of recurrent strokes in carefully selected patients.

Dr. Fahad Al Kindi stated: “This procedure represents a significant advancement in managing cryptogenic strokes in young individuals. Catheter-based closure offers a safe and effective option, reducing recovery time and complications without the need for open-heart surgery.”

He added: “At Shifa Hospital, we are committed to utilizing the latest structural heart technologies to provide advanced, evidence-based medical care. Catheter-based PFO closure is a key pillar in preventing recurrent strokes when indicated.”

The procedure was completed successfully without complications, and the patient was discharged shortly after with a personalized treatment plan and a positive recovery assessment.

Shifa Hospital continues to strengthen its position in providing advanced and comprehensive cardiac care, offering precise diagnostic services, specialized therapeutic interventions, and long-term follow-up for complex cases.

As one of the leading healthcare institutions in the Sultanate of Oman, Shifa Hospital offers advanced medical services through nine Centers of Excellence, combining cutting-edge technology with holistic care to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.