Patent foramen ovale percutaneous closure: the no-implant approach

Currently available catheter techniques for closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) rely on the placement of an implantable closure device. Sievert et al. evaluated the safety and feasibility of transcatheter closure of PFO using radiofrequency energy without an implanted device in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack. In total, 30 patients were enrolled (15 females; mean age 48 years). Technical success was achieved in 90% of the patients. All 30 patients did not present any serious procedure-related adverse events. No recurrent strokes, deaths or perforations occurred as a result of the procedure. The mean follow-up was 6 months, and 13 out of the 30 (43%) patients experienced PFO closure after the first procedure. Complete closure after a second procedure was achieved in 63% of the cases. The authors demonstrate that transcatheter closure of an intracardiac defect without a permanent implant is technically feasible. However, future improvements in the technique and materials are needed.