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Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
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Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence

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Atrial fibrillation following device closure of patent foramen ovale

Annika Burow1, Markus Schwerzmann, Dieter Wallmann

  • 1Swiss Cardiovascular Center Bern, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.

Cardiology
|February 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs frequently in stroke patients after patent foramen ovale (PFO) device closure, similar to stroke patients without PFO. Further research is needed on AF risks post-PFO closure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Recurrent embolic events post-patent foramen ovale (PFO) device closure are often attributed to incomplete closure.
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is another potential cause of embolic events in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients experiencing stroke after PFO device closure.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 40 patients who underwent PFO device closure post-stroke and 70 control stroke patients.
  • Both groups underwent 7-day event loop recordings at 3 and 6 months post-procedure/stroke.

Main Results:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) was detected in 15% of the PFO device closure group and 17% of the control group (p = 0.77).
  • Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of an occluder device was not an independent risk factor for AF.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of AF following PFO device closure in stroke patients is comparable to stroke patients without PFO.
  • Further investigation is necessary to ascertain the thromboembolic risk and optimal management strategies for patients who develop AF after PFO device closure.
Abstract

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