Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Percutaneous Closure of Residual Shunt After Patent Foramen Ovale Closure With a Biodegradable Occluder
Dong Luo1, Luxi Guan1, Hongxiao Li2
1Center of Structural Heart Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Background:
Residual right-to-left shunt (RLS) after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure may lead to recurrent stroke or migraine. Conventional metallic occluders often entail shortcomings, including suboptimal conformability and permanent metal implantation. Biodegradable occluders offer potential advantages through enhanced compatibility and gradual resorption.
Case Summary:
A 52-year-old woman who developed recurrent cerebral infarction and migraine 20 months after PFO closure was diagnosed with a residual RLS, which was subsequently successfully treated using a biodegradable PFO occluder.
Discussion:
We herein report a successful case of residual RLS management using a biodegradable PFO occluder, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of residual shunts after PFO closure.
Novelty:
To our knowledge, this is the first reported case demonstrating the successful clinical application of a biodegradable PFO occluder for the transcatheter closure of residual shunt after initial PFO closure.
Take-Home Message:
This case highlights the feasibility and efficacy of a biodegradable device for managing residual shunt, providing a novel therapeutic option in selected patients.
