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Updates on Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure

Konstantinos V Voudris1, Marie-France Poulin2, Clifford J Kavinsky3

  • 1Center for Valve and Structural Heart Disease, Minneapolis Heart Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Current Cardiology Reports
|June 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is recommended for cryptogenic stroke, with new devices improving outcomes. Further research is needed for specific patient groups and conditions like migraines.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with left circulation thromboembolism and stroke.
  • Understanding PFO's role in various conditions is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest evidence on PFO closure.
  • To discuss updated guidelines, diagnostic tools, and novel devices for PFO closure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies and societal guidelines.
  • Analysis of diagnostic algorithms and risk stratification tools.
  • Evaluation of emerging therapeutic devices for PFO closure.

Main Results:

  • PFO closure is strongly recommended for cryptogenic stroke and systemic embolization.
  • Evidence supports PFO closure for platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome.
  • Current data do not support routine PFO closure for migraines or decompression illness.
  • Novel devices are under evaluation to enhance safety and efficacy.
  • PFO closure shows superiority in reducing recurrent embolic stroke risk in select patients.

Conclusions:

  • PFO closure is a valuable therapeutic option for specific thromboembolic conditions.
  • Heart-brain teams and advanced algorithms can optimize patient selection.
  • Continued research is necessary to refine patient selection and treatment strategies for subgroups.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cryptogenic strokeDecompression illnessMigrainesPatent foramen ovale closurePlatypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome

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