Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in 2019

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cardiac anomaly in 20-34% of adults.
• While often benign, PFO can allow paradoxical emboli, leading to stroke and systemic embolization.
• Percutaneous PFO closure is an established treatment for specific patient groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting percutaneous PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke.
• To explore other indications for PFO closure, including systemic embolization and platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome.
• To provide an overview of PFO closure procedures and devices.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent randomized controlled trials on PFO closure in cryptogenic stroke.
• Discussion of anatomical considerations of PFO.
• Examination of pre-procedural investigations and closure device technologies.

Main Results:

• Randomized trials demonstrate reduced recurrent stroke rates following PFO closure in cryptogenic stroke patients.
• PFO closure is effective for stroke and systemic embolization.
• Various closure devices are available for percutaneous PFO closure.

Conclusions:

• PFO closure is a proven intervention for reducing recurrent stroke in cryptogenic stroke patients.
• The review details the procedural aspects, including patient selection and device choice.
• Further research may expand indications for PFO closure.