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Updated: May 28, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
[Which patent foramen ovale needs to be closed, and how?]
1Service de cardiologie, polyclinique de Courlancy, Reims, France. camille.brasselet@orange.fr
Abstract:
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a normal fetal communication between right and left atria that persists after birth by about 30% in adults. It is discussed to be associated to potential clinical events, asking rational of such closure. Its correction throughout venous access can be attempted on four different indications: (1) secondary prevention of stroke or transient ischemic attack, (2) decompression illness, (3) migraine with aura, and (4) platypnea-orthodeoxia. The PFO closure procedure implies the double control of X-rays and ultrasound, and is relatively simple to perform, using various prostheses. In France, the place of percutaneous closure procedure is nowadays unclear since the Haute Autorité de santé currently suspended recommendations about the management after stroke.
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