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Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
SA Heart consensus statement on closure of patent foramen ovale 2021
J Hitzeroth1, P van der Bijl2, F Michel3
1Medical School, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is linked to several conditions, most seriously cryptogenic stroke. This guideline helps determine which patients benefit from PFO closure to prevent stroke.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Medical Guidelines
Background:
- A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an atrial septal defect present in adults.
- PFO is associated with various clinical conditions, notably cryptogenic stroke, a major cause of morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a clinical guideline for PFO closure in patients.
- To identify patient populations who would most benefit from PFO closure procedures.
Main Methods:
- This consensus statement synthesizes current evidence and expert opinion.
- It focuses on risk stratification and patient selection for PFO closure.
Main Results:
- Specific criteria for offering PFO closure are outlined.
- The guideline addresses the balance between risks and benefits of closure.
Conclusions:
- PFO closure is a viable option for select patients at high risk for cryptogenic stroke.
- This guideline aims to standardize and optimize the decision-making process for PFO closure.
Abstract:
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with numerous clinical conditions. The most severe of these is cryptogenic stroke. This consensus statement aims to provide a clinical guideline on which patients should be offered PFO closure.
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