The Coherex FlatStent: an advance in patent foramen ovale closure

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remnant tunnel between the right and left atrium that has been found to be present more frequently in young patients with stroke and in sufferers of migraines. Percutaneous closure of the tunnel has become commonplace, replacing surgical closure. Various devices have been developed, most of which consist of atrial discs joined by a connecting wire. The Coherex FlatStent provides a new paradigm for PFO closure as it consists of a nitinol frame covered with polyurethane foam that is deployed within the PFO tunnel. Animal and Phase I and II studies have shown this device to be safe, effective and easy to use. More than 100 patients have now received such a device with excellent closure rates such that it may become an attractive and important development in patients with the clinical sequelae of PFO.