10/10/2025
The Heart Institue or East Texas announces a significant advancement in cardiovascular care, becoming the first and only hospital in Deep East Texas to successfully perform a percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) using the innovative Abbott Amplatzer PFO Occluder. The groundbreaking procedure was led by main proceduralist Dr. Subramanya Venkata, with a team including Dr. Ilyas Khan, Dr. Harshil Patel, and Cath Lab Director Dr. Musa Khan.
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole in the heart's septum that can allow blood clots to pass from the right side of the heart to the left, where they can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. This new, minimally invasive procedure provides a permanent solution by guiding a small, self-expanding device through a catheter to the heart to effectively seal the hole. This offers a much-needed local alternative for patients who previously had to travel hundreds of miles for this critical treatment.
Dr. Subramanya Venkata, the main proceduralist, spoke about the clinical significance. "The Abbott Amplatzer device is a remarkable technology that allows us to safely and effectively treat PFOs and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes," Dr. Venkata stated. "I am incredibly proud to have been part of the team that brought this capability to our community. This is a huge win for our patients and their families."
Dr. Harshil Patel, interventional cardiologist also a vital member of the team, added, "Our collaborative effort and dedication were crucial to the success of this procedure. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of structural heart interventions, bringing cutting-edge advancements directly to the people of Lufkin."
Dr. Ilyas Khan, a key cardiologist on the team, highlighted the patient benefits. "We can now address a common cause of stroke with a less invasive approach, offering peace of mind and a significantly improved quality of life," Dr. Khan said. "This is a game-changer for how we manage and prevent strokes in our region."
"This is more than just a new procedure; it's a new era of heart health for our community," said Dr. Ravinder Bachireddy, Chief of Cardiology. "Bringing this advanced PFO closure to St. Luke's Health-Memorial is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients. It means our community members no longer have to leave their homes and families to receive a life-saving treatment, and that is a true win for all of Deep East Texas."
Dr. Musa Khan, the Cath Lab Director, emphasized the hospital’s readiness. "Our cath lab team has undergone rigorous training to master this complex procedure," Dr. Khan said. "This capability elevates our cardiac services and reinforces our role as a regional leader. We are ready to provide world-class heart care right here at home."
A Benefit to the Community
This new procedure provides a significant benefit to the community by offering a local solution for a critical health issue. Patients who would have previously had to travel to major metropolitan areas for this procedure can now receive state-of-the-art care right here in Deep East Texas. This not only eases the financial and logistical burden on patients and their families but also ensures timely access to care, which can be crucial in preventing strokes. St. Luke's Health-Memorial's commitment to providing this service highlights its ongoing mission to improve the health and well-being of the Deep East Texas population through innovative and compassionate care.
