Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In a major milestone for cardiovascular care in Rwanda, King Faisal Hospital has successfully conducted the country’s first percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a minimally invasive heart procedure typically used to prevent recurrent strokes.
The landmark procedure was carried out on Friday, May 16, and was led by Dr. Hugues Lucron, a visiting cardiologist from Switzerland, in collaboration with Rwandan cardiologist Dr. Gérard Misago. The patient was a stroke survivor with a suspected PFO, a small flap-like opening between the upper chambers of the heart that fails to close after birth in some individuals.
“We are deeply grateful to Occlutech Europe and all our partners for their vital support in making this national milestone possible,” King Faisal Hospital said in a statement posted Monday on X. “It marks a proud step forward in advancing innovation, expertise, and excellence in cardiovascular care in Rwanda.”
The PFO closure procedure involves inserting a catheter through a vein to deliver a specially designed device made from a nickel-titanium alloy. The device seals the hole between the heart’s atria, reducing the risk of stroke from blood clots traveling to the brain. Over time, the heart tissue naturally grows around the implant, creating a permanent closure.
While most people with a PFO remain asymptomatic, in certain cases, particularly among stroke patients under the age of 60 who have experienced cryptogenic (unexplained) strokes, the closure of the defect can be life-saving. It is also a preferred option for patients who are unable to tolerate long-term blood-thinning medications.
Experts say patients typically return home within a day or two following the procedure and can resume normal activities shortly afterward.
“This advancement not only brings hope to Rwandan patients but also showcases the growing capacity of our local medical teams to deliver specialized cardiac interventions,” said Dr. Misago.
The successful PFO closure aligns with Rwanda’s broader healthcare goals of reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases through improved access to cutting-edge treatment and skilled expertise.
This achievement further reinforces King Faisal Hospital as a regional center of excellence in cardiac care and medical innovation.
