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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
10:52
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Patent foramen ovale closure: past, present and future
Daniel H Steinberg1, Augusto D Pichard, Lowell F Satler
1Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, Division of Cardiology, Washington, DC 20010, USA. daniel.h.steinberg@medstar.net
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|September 18, 2007
Summary
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a controversial alternative for cryptogenic stroke and migraines when medical treatments fail. This review examines PFO anatomy, closure devices, and clinical data, offering perspectives on current use and future directions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Devices
- Neurology
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital heart defect.
- PFO is linked to cryptogenic stroke and migraine headaches.
- Medical management for PFO-related conditions is often insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of PFO.
- To survey available and experimental PFO closure devices.
- To analyze current clinical data and provide expert perspective on PFO closure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PFO anatomy and pathophysiology.
- Review of existing and investigational PFO closure devices.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and guideline recommendations.
Main Results:
- PFO closure is an alternative treatment for specific PFO-related conditions.
- Various closure devices exist, with ongoing development.
- Clinical data guides current indications, though controversy remains.
Conclusions:
- PFO closure is a viable option for select patients with PFO-associated conditions.
- Further research is needed to refine device technology and patient selection.
- Guidelines recommend PFO closure for specific patient subsets, balancing risks and benefits.
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