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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
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Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence

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Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Device Endocarditis

Stefan Milutinovic1, Berniece Johnson2, Claudiu Ciuciureanu2

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

JACC. Case Reports
|October 3, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Endocarditis, an infection of heart valve or device, can occur rarely after patent foramen ovale closure. This case highlights methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis on an occlusion device.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure devices are used to treat conditions like stroke.
  • Device-related endocarditis is a rare but serious complication.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endocarditis on a PFO occlusion device.
  • To illustrate the utility of echocardiography in diagnosing device-related endocarditis.

Main Methods:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed on a patient with suspected endocarditis.
  • Blood and device aspiration cultures were obtained.
  • Clinical presentation and imaging findings were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • TEE revealed vegetations on a PFO occlusion device in the intra-atrial septum.
  • Blood cultures were positive for MRSA.
  • The patient presented with fever and hip pain.

Conclusions:

  • Endocarditis on PFO occlusion devices is a rare complication, often occurring early after implantation.
  • Incomplete endothelialization may increase the risk of microbial seeding.
  • Further research is needed to optimize endocarditis prophylaxis guidelines for these devices.
Keywords:
PFO closure deviceendocarditispatent foramen ovale

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