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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Suture-mediated closure of a patent foramen ovale during surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass
Tobias T Lee1, Ralph De la Torre, Joseph P Carrozza
1Section of Interventional Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Abstract:
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks due to paradoxical emboli in patients with prior neurological events. We report a case of a surgical suture-mediated of a PFO closure without cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with recurrent cerebral ischemic events, who was intolerant of medical therapy, was a poor candidate for catheter-based PFO closure, and presented as a potentially high risk for poor wound healing from traditional surgical closure.
Insights
A novel surgical technique successfully closed a patent foramen ovale (PFO) without cardiopulmonary bypass. This approach offers a new option for patients with recurrent strokes who are unsuitable for other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Neurology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is linked to recurrent ischemic strokes from paradoxical emboli.
- Standard PFO closure methods (catheter-based or traditional surgery) may not suit all patients.
- Some patients are intolerant to medical therapy or have high risks for traditional surgical closure complications.
Observation:
- A case study details a patient with recurrent cerebral ischemic events and PFO.
- The patient was intolerant to medical therapy and a poor candidate for catheter-based closure.
- The patient also posed a high risk for poor wound healing with traditional surgical closure.
Findings:
- A surgical suture-mediated PFO closure was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass.
- This minimally invasive technique effectively addressed the PFO in the described patient.
Implications:
- Surgical suture-mediated PFO closure without cardiopulmonary bypass presents a viable alternative treatment.
- This method may benefit patients with recurrent neurological events who are ineligible for standard PFO closure procedures.
- Further research could explore the broader applicability and long-term outcomes of this surgical approach.
