14809_037-webSome people have an ASD or a PFO, meaning “a hole in the heart” has formed a connection between the right and left atria. With certain conditions, for example, if the hole is large and plenty of blood can “shunt” back and forth between the atria, or having suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot, it can be beneficial to close this hole. For this, there is a tiny umbrella-like device made from gauze that becomes implanted with the help of a special catheter. Likewise, to reduce the risk of stroke, people with atrial flutters can have the auricle of the left atrium closed using a similar procedure (LAA closure). Prof. Busch and Dr. Rampp carry out these procedures during a 2-3 day stay at the Dritter Orden Clinic.