In November, a patient received Health Sciences North's first ever Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure, a minimally invasive and lifesaving procedure.
The procedure was made possible thanks to collaboration among several health-care providers from Cardiovascular Surgery, the Intensive Care Unit, Cath Lab staff and two of HSN’s new Cardiologists, recruited in 2017. The procedure was successful and the patient made a remarkable recovery.
After presenting to HSN’s Emergency Department, Patricia Brideau underwent an emergent complex repair to treat a tear in the aorta, the body’s main vessel, by Dr. Rony Atoui from Cardiovascular Surgery.
Brideau was later moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for stabilization but was noted to have seriously low oxygen levels that led the ICU team to discover she had a large hole in her heart, called a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), across the smaller heart chambers, diverting the blood away from the lungs and preventing oxygen exchange.
Dr. Sami Alnasser, Interventional Cardiologist recruited to HSN in 2017, was consulted and recommended an urgent PFO repair, a procedure that had never been performed at HSN. Previously, patients would have to travel to Southern Ontario for this procedure.
Within 36 hours, the case was presented to hospital administration and HSN staff were able to obtain the necessary tools and resources to perform the procedure.
Alnasser performed HSN’s first percutaneous PFO closure assisted by Dr. Abdul Alqahtani, another Interventional Cardiologist recruited in 2017, and staff from HSN’s Cardiac Catheterization lab. Brideau’s oxygen levels improved dramatically and she was able to come off the ventilator.
“This is not only about a new procedure, it is about the importance of providing timely access to care for patients across Northeastern Ontario,” said Alnasser.
“This would not have been possible without the effective teamwork, tremendous administrative support from HSN and partnership within the industry. The extent of skills, expertise and dedication displayed at HSN only exists in a few centers across the province.”
“I am truly amazed with the number of people that cared for me at HSN,” said Brideau. “I am grateful to have had the procedure done here and did not have to travel. I am happy that other patients will be given the same opportunity and care.”
In the fall, HSN launched a specialized Valve-Structural Heart Clinic, which utilizes innovative, high-tech and minimally invasive equipment and techniques.
“With this valve clinic, we can effectively collaborate on behalf of patients and focus our attention on their very needs,” said Dr. Chris Bourdon, Vice President of Medical & Academic Affairs.
“Led by a talented and expert team of nurses, cardiologists and surgeons, patients can receive the care they need and live longer, productive and symptom-free lives, with respect to valvular heart disease.”
Procedures such as the PFO closure are ensuring patients in the region have access to timely, patient-centred care. HSN’s ongoing recruitment and retention of specialized and skilled heath care providers are making this collaborative and innovative care possible.
