Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
10:52

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

Published on: December 23, 2022

Thrombus entrapped in a patent foramen ovale: a potential source of pulmonary and systemic embolism

Leighton G Kearney1, Piyush M Srivastava

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Level 5 North Austin Tower, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia. leighton.kearney@austin.org.au

Heart, Lung & Circulation
|March 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of a 79-year-old man with a thrombus entrapped across a patent foramen ovale (PFO) highlights challenges in managing this common cardiac condition and its thromboembolic complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Thromboembolic Disease

Background:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cardiac anomaly, present in up to 30% of the population, serving as a frequent site for intracardiac shunting.
  • Thrombus passage through a PFO is typically transient and rarely documented, complicating diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A rare case involving a 79-year-old male patient presented with a thrombus entrapped within a PFO.
  • This unique presentation served as a persistent source for both pulmonary and systemic thromboembolism, even while the patient was on systemic anticoagulation therapy.

Findings:

  • The study details a rare instance of a thrombus lodged within a patent foramen ovale.
  • This entrapment led to continuous thromboembolic events, underscoring the potential for PFO to act as a nidus for clot propagation.

Implications:

  • There is a significant lack of established literature guiding the primary management of thrombus entrapped within a PFO.
  • Current management strategies include surgical thrombectomy with PFO closure, thrombolysis, and anticoagulation, with the efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure devices for secondary prevention under ongoing investigation.

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...