I first started closing holes in the heart with minimally invasive techniques back in the early 90’s. Back then, with the technology we had at the time, these were time-consuming and often incredibly challenging procedures that only a few children could have. Now in 2021, they are simple, fast, easy to do and almost everyone with this type of hole in the heart can have this done.
![Evan washes his hands outside the operating room.](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/607f21c8698e5a67fe6ca663/6082235e0a3010981d567306_ScrubUp_Polaroid.jpg)
Time to scrub in!
Going over the final plan with the team as we “glove up.”
![Doctors wearing masks and gowns talk to hear other in the operating room.](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/607f21c8698e5a67fe6ca663/608223e2ea5a0479b02bc3fd_DryingHands_Polaroid.jpg)
Because it’s a painless procedure we can just use mild sedation instead of general anesthesia.
![Two doctors perform operation. Use syringe to inject anesthesia into patient.](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/607f21c8698e5a67fe6ca663/60822501c940c342be76c634_Injection_Polaroid.jpg)
Carefully sizing the hole with a soft balloon that can be seen here within the heart on the monitor.
![The doctor looks at the computer screen as he performs the operation. Computer shows inside image of patient, ribs and balloon device.](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/607f21c8698e5a67fe6ca663/608230dd0a3010ef5256a80e_Computer_Polaroid.jpg)
After patching the hole we take a careful final look at everything to make sure it’s perfect before finishing up.
![Doctors stand back from operating table and look toward monitors.](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/607f21c8698e5a67fe6ca663/608232af77501a865b85bbc8_OperationD_Polaroid.jpg)