Percutaneous PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke in young adults: A single-center experience

Randomized controlled trials support patent foramen ovale (PFO) percutaneous closure for the prevention of cryptogenic stroke recurrence, particularly in young patients with high-risk PFO or other predisposing factors for paradoxical embolism. Our single-center experience provides valuable insights into the practical aspects of this procedure, including patient selection, technical considerations, and outcome monitoring. Our goal was to describe our center's experience with the percutaneous closure of PFO in patients presenting with cryptogenic stroke, as well as to evaluate the short-term clinical results.

Observational, retrospective study including 62 patients with cryptogenic stroke evaluated for PFO closure between February 2021 and February 2024.

Of the 62 patients evaluated, 32 (51.6%) were deemed appropriate for closure based on clinical and anatomical characteristics. These patients underwent percutaneous PFO closure, using Amplatzer™ Talisman™ PFO Occluder Abbott Cardiovascular USA, Amplatzer™ Cribriform Occluder Abbott or Amplatzer™ Talisman™ PFO Occluder Abbott Cardiovascular USA. A 100% acute procedural success rate was achieved, with no major complications. At 6 and 12 months, a 100% closure rate was observed.

Our findings highlight the importance of careful patient selection and multidisciplinary management to optimize outcomes, demonstrating that percutaneous PFO closure is a safe and effective intervention in selected patients. Further research is needed to refine patient selection criteria and to explore the long-term benefits of PFO closure in diverse patient populations.