Penguins Star Defenseman Unexpectedly Has Surgery to Close a Hole in His Heart
Photo credit: © Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
In a shocking turn of events, Penguins star defenseman Kris Letang had surgery on his heart as it was announced he had a hole that required closing.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang had successful surgery to close a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a small hole in the heart, the team announced.
Kris Letang had successful surgery for the closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO; small hole in the heart).
The operation was performed by interventional cardiologist Dr. Conrad Smith at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
Letang will take four to six weeks to recover and will miss the Penguins' final regular-season game Thursday. He is anticipated to return in time for training camp this fall.
The expected recovery time is four to six weeks.
The 37-year-old veteran has played his entire 1,161-game NHL career with the Penguins, recording 175 goals and 772 points. This season, he recorded nine goals and 30 assists in 74 games.
Letang has had multiple health issues throughout his career
Letang's health has been a long-standing storyline in his career. He's had two strokes, one in 2014 and one in the 2022-23 season, after which he returned 12 days later.
In 2023, he received the Masterton Trophy for determination and dedication to hockey. He also sat out the 2017 playoffs due to a herniated disc in his neck, though the Penguins ultimately won the Stanley Cup that season.
While the new procedure is scary, the short recovery time brings good news for one of hockey's toughest players, and fans will be eager to see him back on the ice.
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