The Hype Surrounding Patent Foramen Ovale Closure and Cryptogenic Stroke: A Walk Through History

Cryptogenic stroke (CS) represents one-third of all ischaemic strokes. Studies have shown approximately that half of patients with CS have concomitant patent foramen ovale (PFO), with clear data supporting paradoxical embolization as an aetiology of CS. This article is the first of a multi-part review and will detail the history of PFO closure and the clinical trials that have evaluated the efficacy of PFO device closure. Data favour PFO closure in CS for reducing stroke in appropriate patients and should be considered as a treatment modality.