Cardioremedy

Our Services

Neuro-Cardiac Solutions

PFO Testing and Closure

simple 15 minute test to assess for a hole in the heart

What is a PFO?

A patent foramen ovale (PFO), commonly referred to as a hole in the heart is a small flap-like structure that permits flow from the right to the left side of the heart whilst the fetus is in the womb. It is a dynamic three-dimensional structure. As a fetus is using the placenta and mother for oxygenation and nutrition, the majority of blood flow is redirected away from the lungs through this flap. After birth, the hole in the heart should close.

In 25-30% of children and adults, the PFO remains open. Only a small number of people develop problems from the crossing over (shunting) of blood from the right atrium directly to the left atrium. Problems arise because the blood on the right side of the heart has been returned from all parts of the body. It is low in oxygen, high in carbon dioxide, it may have partially degraded blood cells (red blood cell, platelets, white blood cells), blood clots, other by-products or proteins present that are potentially harmful if recirculated in the body. The lung is an incredible filter of not only gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide but it plays a role in the purification of our blood. Therefore, if a volume of blood is shunted away before it can be processed and returned to the arterial (left heart) side of the body it can have damaging effects. Many of these effects are not yet known or fully understood.

There is no definitive reason as yet as to why the PFO in a portion of the population does not close. Much of the current research focuses on Vitamin B’s and folate. The vast majority of people with a PFO go on to live long and healthy lives and others suffer from stroke, debilitating migraine, fatigue, poor oxygen perfusion and in the case of scuba diving may even go on to suffer from decompression illness.

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For more information 

read How do I know if I have a PFO?

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Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Alternative treatment to life-long Warfarin and other blood thinners/ anti-coagulants

Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is the most common irregular heart rhythm that starts in the atria. Instead of the SA node (sinus node) directing the electrical rhythm, many different impulses rapidly fire at once, causing a very fast, chaotic rhythm in the atria. Because the electrical impulses are so fast and chaotic, the atria cannot contract and/or squeeze blood effectively into the ventricle.

The most common place for blood clots to form in the heart is in the appendage of the left atrium. The atrial appendage is a piece of redundant tissue that is prone to clots forming. In patients that are intolerant to traditional blood-thinning drugs such as Warfarin or the newer drugs such as Xarelto/ Pradaxa left atrial appendage closure may be an option.

The left atrial appendage closure procedure involves placing wires and catheters through the femoral vein making a small hole in the atrial septum (membrane between the two top chambers of the heart) and blocking off/plugging the appendage with a stent-like device. Following the procedure, the only anti-coagulation required in low dose aspirin.

Dr Sharpe is one of a small group of interventional cardiologists qualified to perform this procedure in Australia.

Carotid Artery Stenting

Non-surgical solution to carotid disease

Dr Sharpe has one of the largest experiences in Carotid artery Stenting in Australia having performed over 300 cases. These have been fully audited by an independent Stroke Neurologist with outcomes well within accepted international complication guidelines.

He regularly lectures and performs live case demonstrations at specialist conferences and hosts workshops for international specialists wishing to learn the latest techniques and "tricks". He is recognised by the three Specialist Colleges being the Royal Australasian Colleges of Surgeons, Radiologists and Physicians in this area. It must be appreciated that not all patients are suitable for Carotid Stenting and surgery can be a better and safer option on occasions. In the right hands and with careful selection of suitable patient and pathology carotid stenting is a very safe and allows rapid recovery.

New technologies available since 2012 have significantly reduced the already low-risk procedure. Most patients are observed overnight and discharged the next morning (compared to a 3-4 day stay for open surgery).

Opening Hours

Appointments essential

Mon - Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 3:30pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed