Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 3, 2025

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

4.3K

Patent Foramen Ovale-A Not So Innocuous Septal Atrial Defect in Adults

Veronica Romano1, Carlo Maria Gallinoro1, Rosita Mottola1

  • 1Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.

Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Patent foramen ovale (PFO), a common heart defect present in 15-35% of adults, can lead to stroke and other serious conditions. This review details PFO

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital heart defect affecting 15-35% of adults.
  • It arises from incomplete closure of the interatrial septum, which develops early in gestation.
  • Normally, the foramen ovale closes shortly after birth, leaving the fossa ovalis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the developmental and anatomical characteristics of PFO.
  • To discuss the clinical implications and associated risks of PFO in adults.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of developmental and anatomical studies.
  • Synthesis of clinical data linking PFO to specific conditions.

Main Results:

  • PFO results from the failure of the foramen ovale to close postnatally.
  • Associated conditions include stroke, migraine, and decompression sickness.
  • Understanding PFO anatomy is crucial for assessing clinical risks.

Conclusions:

  • PFO is a common remnant of fetal circulation with significant adult health implications.
  • Further research into PFO's role in various pathologies is warranted.
  • Clinical awareness of PFO is essential for managing associated risks.

Keywords:
atrial septal defectdecompression illnessdivingforamen ovalepatent foramen ovale

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

4.0K
Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter08:00

Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter

Published on: June 15, 2015

14.1K

Related Concept Videos

Chambers of the Heart01:16

Chambers of the Heart

The human heart is a complex organ made up of four chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. These internal chambers are separated by partitions known as the interatrial and interventricular septa. The exterior of the heart features a groove known as the coronary sulcus that demarcates the atria from the ventricles, while the anterior and posterior interventricular sulci distinguish between the two ventricles.
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...
8.6K
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
107
Development of the Heart01:27

Development of the Heart

The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
1.5K
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
122
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
61
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation01:25

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation

Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
329