Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Pulmonary thromboembolism with floating thrombus trapped in patent foramen ovale
Thomas Theologou1, Prabhat Tewari, Kate Pointon
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Trent Cardiac Centre, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
A 39-year-old man was hospitalized with symptoms of acute deep vein thrombosis, and computed tomography showed that he had pulmonary thromboembolism. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a large, right atrial thrombus and transesophageal echocardiography showed migrating thrombus trapped in a patent foramen ovale and extending all the way up to the ascending aorta. He underwent surgical embolectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass. At the conclusion of the operation, repeat transesophageal echocardiography examination revealed fresh but small thrombus in the right atrium. This continued entry of thrombi into the heart was further managed with fluoroscopy-guided insertion of a retrievable inferior vena cava filter through the internal jugular vein in the operating room itself.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
