This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Lifesaving heart operation to benefit thousands
Thousands of people are set to benefit from an innovative new heart procedure to prevent strokes in younger people, as a newly announced treatment tackles ‘hole in the heart’.
Unveiled as part of the NHS Long Term Plan, hole in the heart – or Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) – is a common condition which can trigger strokes. The potentially lifesaving procedure helps remove the risk by closing the hole, giving people with the condition peace of mind about future health risks.
The new measure, to be available across the country, is expected to benefit up to 1,500 patients a year. The surgery involves a small device made up of two umbrellas joined at the centre put into the hole to close it up. The procedure normally takes around an hour and is performed under local anaesthetic and it costs around £8,000 per patient.
Stephen Powis, medical director for NHS England, said: “This truly lifesaving and life-changing procedure will now be available across the NHS, and will mean people can live without the worry of having a stroke.
“As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, we will continue to test the most advanced procedures available anywhere across the globe, collecting real world evidence to ensure NHS patients receive world-class care while delivering value for the taxpayers’ pound.”
Mark MacDonald, deputy director of policy at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke can strike anyone at any time, changing people’s lives in an instant. The condition has a huge cost to a person’s health, independence and relationships, not to mention a huge cost to our NHS and care services. All stroke survivors should have the best possible chance of preventing another stroke and any further devastating impact.
“This announcement is really welcome news: thousands could benefit from this latest procedure, and more people will be able to rebuild their lives with a reduced risk of experiencing another stroke.”
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