Penguins’ defenseman Kris Letang has undergone successful surgery to close a patent foramen ovale, or small hole in his heart.
The procedure was performed at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital by interventional cardiologist Dr. Conrad Smith. The expected recovery time is four-to-six weeks.
It’s thought the defect may have been a contributing factor to the two strokes Letang has suffered, the first in 2014 and the second in 2022.
The 37-year-old defenseman, who’s displayed an abundance of courage throughout his career, finished the season with nine goals and 30 points in 74 games while averaging a robust 23:52 of ice time.