Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defect: procedure outcome and medium-term follow-up
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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
M Egred1, M Andron, K Albouaini
1Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax Infirmary, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Unlabelled:
Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) has become increasingly utilized. The indications and results of percutaneous closure are diverse.
Aim:
To assess the indications, results, and complications of percutaneous closure of ASD and PFO in our tertiary center.
Method:
Case note review and retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous closure over a 3-year period from January 2003 to October 2005 with a mean follow-up of 19 months (4-36).
Results:
There were 185 consecutive patients. The mean age was 44.9 years (SD 12.9) and 53% (n = 98) were males. There was 59% (n = 109) PFO and 41% (n = 76) ASD. The predominant indication for PFO closure was cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (42.2%, n = 46)- and for ASD, dilated right ventricle (68.4%, n = 52). Of all procedures, 94.6% (n = 175) were first time and 5.4% (n = 10) were redo for residual shunt. Overall, the success rate was 96.8% (n = 179) with two patients referred for surgical closure due to the large size of ASD and unsuitability for percutaneous closure, two procedures abandoned due to pericardial effusion, and two abandoned because the PFO was too small to cross. The Amplatzer device was used in 92.7% (n = 166) and the Starflex in 7.3% (n = 13). Minor complications were recorded in 10 patients (5.4%), of which 4 (2.2%) had minor venous access bleeding, 1 patient (0.5%) had retroperitoneal hematoma, and 2 patients (1.1%) had transient atrial fibrillation. One patient (0.5%) had transient inferior ST elevation during the procedure, one patient (0.5%) reported chest pain postprocedure, and one patient (0.5%) developed septicemia 3 weeks postprocedure. Major complications were recorded in three patients (1.5%), one patient (0.5%) with retroperitoneal hematoma requiring blood transfusion and two patients (1%) with pericardial effusion following transseptal puncture, requiring aspiration. No death, stroke, or device embolization was recorded.
Conclusion:
Our experience with percutaneous closure in adults demonstrates excellent results and safety with few complications. Percutaneous device closure will replace surgical closure for many ASDs and PFOs.
