On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the Wynn Hospital, flagship hospital for Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), performed the first patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure procedure in Oneida County – a significant advancement in cardiac care for the Mohawk Valley. This innovative, minimally invasive procedure was performed by Colin M. Wright, MD, a cardiologist with CNY Cardiology, and utilized the advanced GORE CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder.
A PFO is a small, flap-like opening in the wall of the heart that, while common, can increase the risk of a specific type of stroke known as a cryptogenic stroke. The PFO closure procedure seals this opening, preventing blood clots from traveling from the heart to the brain and significantly reducing the risk of future strokes.
“The successful completion of this first PFO closure procedure at Wynn Hospital marks a new era for cardiac care in our region,” said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, president/CEO of MVHS. “Patients who previously had to travel to larger metropolitan areas for this specialized procedure can now receive this state-of-the-art care right here in Utica. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Wright and our entire cardiac team for their dedication to bringing the latest medical technology and expertise to our community.”
The procedure involves inserting a catheter into a vein in the leg and guiding it to the heart, where the GORE CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder is deployed to permanently seal the PFO. This method allows for a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
This achievement underscores Wynn Hospital’s commitment to expanding its range of specialized cardiac services, ensuring that residents of the Mohawk Valley have access to cutting-edge care close to home.
Photo caption: Colin M. Wright, MD, a cardiologist with CNY Cardiology (center), and the Mohawk Valley Health System Cardiac team performed the first patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure procedure in Utica on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
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