VRMC accomplishes another cardiology milestone

Valley Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the successful completion of its first Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure procedure, marking a significant step forward in cardiovascular care and stroke prevention.

A Patent Foramen Ovale is a small, flap-like opening between the heart’s upper chambers that fails to close naturally after birth in roughly 1 in 4 people. While often harmless, in some individuals it can allow blood clots to bypass the lungs and travel to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke—especially in younger patients with no other identifiable cause.

Who Needs PFO Closure?

This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have experienced a cryptogenic stroke (a stroke with no clear cause) and are found to have a PFO. Closing the opening can significantly reduce the risk of future strokes and improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

How It’s Done

The PFO closure is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure. A small device is guided through a vein to the heart and positioned to seal the opening. The device remains in place permanently, and over time, heart tissue grows around it, fully closing the passage.

Clinical Insight

Dr. Guillermo Salinas, interventional cardiologist with over 15 years of experience with PFO closure procedures, performed the first PFO closure at Valley Regional Medical Center and commented on the importance of this milestone:

“PFO closure represents an important addition to the collection of resources available for secondary stroke prevention, particularly in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The availability of this therapy locally enhances the continuum of care and reinforces the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced, evidence-based treatment options to the community.”

“This achievement reflects our commitment to expanding access to advanced cardiac procedures and improving outcomes for patients with complex cardiovascular needs,” said Rene Hinojosa, chief operating officer at Valley Regional Medical Center. “We are proud of our cath lab team and Dr. Salinas for their commitment to the care and improvement of human life.”

To learn more about Valley Regional Medical Center’s neuroscience service line, visit our heart vascular page