Penguins
Kris Letang Undergoes Minor Heart Surgery
The Pittsburgh Penguins clarified the “medical appointment” that caused defenseman Kris Letang to miss practice Tuesday, and it’s far more serious than the simple appointment that coach Mike Sullivan cited.
The Penguins confirmed Wednesday morning that Letang underwent surgery to close a patent foramen ovale (a small hole in the heart). The procedure is minimally invasive and is designed to reduce the risk of a stroke.
Letang has suffered two strokes during his playing career.
The recovery time is four to six weeks, according to the team. The team has not offered any indications that there will be larger repercussions beyond surgery or that Letang’s career is in jeopardy.
Read More:Â (Updated) Letang Not Worried About Deadline; ‘It’s a Business’
A PFO is performed to prevent blood clots from passing through the upper chambers of the heart, which can lead to a stroke. According to the Johns Hopkins website:
“A PFO closure, often performed through a catheter procedure, involves using a device to close a small hole (patent foramen ovale—PFO) between the heart’s upper chambers. This minimally invasive procedure aims to prevent blood clots from passing through the PFO and potentially causing a stroke. In some cases, open-heart surgery may be necessary, but it’s less common due to advancements in catheter-based techniques.”
Letang, 37, has three years remaining on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $6.1 million. This season, his offensive production has been curtailed to 30 points (9-21-30) in 74 games.
The Penguins finish their season Thursday against the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena.
I am not a doctor, but the hole has been there and it is what caused the previous strokes, so why are they just now closing the hole? This makes no sense to me, but okay. I hope he has a solid recovery and returns to form next season!
I hope he recovers, to live a long life. Hockey be DAMNED!
Maybe age, maybe technology, maybe some other debelopment or insight? Could be a lot of things.
Just for clarity, it didn’t cause the strokes. Based on my reading, the hole allows clogs to pass through which causes a stroke.
This is a relatively minor procedure in the medical world that being said maybe it’s time for him to consider retirement. His play has clearly declined why stay too long?
You must not be a hockey player…
Retirement would not be a good option. If he can’t play anymore, he should go on LTIR so that the penguins can use the cap space. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that
If it’s a matter of opinion and not fact, I don’t think ‘heart surgery’ and ‘minor’ should appear in the same sentence.
Not waking up from anesthesia, getting an abnormal heart rhythm, infection from incision. Never know how your going to go.
Despite how they downplay this procedure as “minimally invasive,” this is a serious procedure involving insertion of a metal implant to plug the hole. It is not without risks, some of which could be serious. Two things. This PFO issue might explain the deterioration of Tanger’s play this year. At age 37, the leak may be causing stamina issues regardless of his well-known dedication to workouts. This is a dude who has had 2 strokes and neck surgery. What a warrior. And I’ve often wondered which lobes of the brain those previous strokes damaged. His recovery was so quick, it… Read more »
Pending post or blocked?
I am wishing Letang a speedy and permanent recovery! I hope he comes back if he’s healthy but if he decides to retire (LTIR) I would completely understand.
JOKE! Im NOT hard to find.
See the other posts…..NOT posted, AGAIN.
Good Luck Kris!
What’s up with Macgrority ?
Got injured blocking a shot. Maybe comes back during baby Pens playoffs.