Young people among those set to benefit from ‘hole in the heart’ procedure

Thousands of people with patent foramen ovale (PFO) or ‘hole in the heart’ are set to benefit from an innovative new heart procedure to prevent strokes in younger people. The new treatment, to be available across the country, is expected to benefit up to 1,500 patients a year who live in fear of another stroke. This procedure helps remove the risk by closing the hole, giving people with the condition peace of mind about future health risks. Professor Stephen Powis, medical director for NHS England, said: €œThis truly lifesaving and life-changing procedure will now be available across the NHS, and will mean people can