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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

Management of patients with patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke: a collaborative, multidisciplinary, position

Christian Pristipino1, Gian Paolo Anzola, Luigi Ballerini

  • 1Clinical Research Centre and Cardiovascular Department, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Roma, Italy. pristipino.c@gmail.com

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions : Official Journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions
|September 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This consensus statement provides a unified approach to managing patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic stroke, offering guidance for specialists. It details diagnostic workups and treatment recommendations for PFO-related stroke to improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Management of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic stroke remains controversial.
  • Interventional closure procedures for PFO are increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a unified management strategy for patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic stroke.
  • To create a shared approach for cardiologists, neurologists, and hematologists.

Main Methods:

  • A consensus statement was developed through collaboration between Italian national scientific societies.
  • Task force members from relevant societies contributed to drafting and revising the guidelines.
  • A widespread consensus was achieved via multi-expert evaluation and revision processes.

Main Results:

  • Clear definitions for transient ischemic attack and cryptogenic strokes were established.
  • A diagnostic pathway was outlined for patients with PFO and potential stroke events.
  • Recommendations for medical and interventional therapies, considering recurrence risk, were provided.

Conclusions:

  • The developed guidelines offer a basis for a shared approach to managing cryptogenic stroke and PFO in Italy.
  • International collaboration is encouraged to further advance the management of PFO-related events.
Abstract

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