SGMC Health recently completed its first patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure procedure, performed by Interventional Cardiologist Daryoosh Derakhshan, DO. This milestone marks a significant advancement in local cardiovascular care, offering patients access to specialized treatment right here in South Georgia.
A PFO is a small, flap-like opening in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers. While common at birth, this opening typically closes as a child grows. For those whose PFO does not close naturally, the condition can increase the risk of serious complications, including a stroke with no identifiable cause. Closing the PFO dramatically reduces the risk of blood clots traveling from the heart to the brain, safeguarding patients against future strokes. Approximately 25% of adults have a PFO, often without symptoms, making this procedure an important option for those at risk.
The procedure utilized the GORE CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder, an advanced device designed to permanently seal the opening. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, this minimally invasive approach involves inserting a catheter through a vein in the leg and guiding it to the heart, where the occluder is deployed. This technique allows for a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay, ensuring patients return to their daily lives sooner.
“Providing this level of care locally means our patients no longer need to travel long distances for treatment,” said Dr. Derakhshan. “We are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that improve outcomes and enhance quality of life for our patients.”
This achievement underscores SGMC Health’s commitment to advancing cardiac care and delivering innovative treatment options close to home. SGMC Health Main stands as the region’s only Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center and the sole hospital in South Georgia offering an open-heart surgery program, a dedicated structural heart center, and a comprehensive cardiac electrophysiology program. The health system provides a complete continuum of cardiovascular services—from urgent interventions to long-term management of chronic heart conditions—focused on both cutting-edge technology and exceptional patient outcomes.
The Heart and Vascular Center at SGMC Health is equipped with the area’s only Hybrid Operating Room, complemented by advanced catheterization labs and a state-of-the-art cardiac electrophysiology suite. Its multidisciplinary team of general cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac electrophysiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and vascular surgeons collaborates to deliver personalized, minimally invasive procedures and robust cardiac rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s recovery journey.
For more information, visit sgmc.org.