Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
10:52
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Persistent (patent) foramen ovale assessment and closure for the general physician
1United Kingdom Diving Medical Committee, UK.
Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|May 23, 2026
Summary
A patent foramen ovale (PFO), a common heart condition, can lead to serious issues like stroke. Ultrasound with bubble contrast helps detect PFOs, but closure isn't always effective, requiring careful patient counseling.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- A patent foramen ovale (PFO) affects a quarter of adults.
- Right-to-left shunting through a PFO can cause paradoxical thromboembolism, cryptogenic stroke, and other serious conditions.
- Differentiating PFOs from atrial septal defects and pulmonary shunts is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the detection, assessment, and management of PFOs.
- To highlight the association between PFOs and specific diseases.
- To inform about the effectiveness and risks of transcatheter closure.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound techniques augmented with intravenous injection of bubble contrast are used for detection and assessment.
- Investigation must differentiate PFOs from other right-to-left shunts.
- Assessment focuses on PFO size and shunt magnitude.
Main Results:
- Large PFOs (approx. 10mm) with significant right-to-left shunting are typically associated with attributed diseases.
- Transcatheter closure is a relatively simple procedure but not always effective.
- Patients require thorough pre-procedure counseling regarding risks, benefits, success rates, and alternatives.
Conclusions:
- PFOs are common and linked to significant neurological and vascular events.
- Accurate diagnosis and differentiation from other shunts are essential.
- Transcatheter closure requires careful consideration of efficacy and patient-specific factors.
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