Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients With Paradoxical Embolism

Abstract

Percutaneous PFO closure appears to be a promising technique in the prevention of recurrent systemic thromboembolism in patients with a PFO after a first event. Prospective studies comparing percutaneous PFO closure with antithrombotic medications or surgery must define its therapeutic value.

Incidence of thrombus formation on the CardioSEAL and the Amplatzer interatrial closure devices

“…Several reports indicate a close association between the recurrence of embolic events and a residual shunt. 25,27 It has also been reported that there is a gradual reduction of the residual shunt after implantation associated with the healing process. 28,29 However, there are patients without a residual shunt who have recurrent neurologic symptoms.…”

Recurrent cerebrovascular ischaemic events in patients with interatrial septal abnormalities: a follow-up study

“…Surgery has been superseded by the percutaneous transcatheteral approach due to the absence of open-heart surgery [25]. After early experiences in which the success in the reduction of ischaemic events was balanced by a high rate of periprocedural complications, subsequent studies using multiple device systems have demonstrated similar rates of recurrent thromboembolic events [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33].…”

Contemporary Management of Patent Foramen Ovale

“…Since then, numerous studies have shown that transcatheter PFO closure with current techniques is safe and seems to protect against recurrent strokes in this patient population. 30,31 A randomized trial on the protective effect of transcatheter PFO closure in recurrent stroke patients has yet to be accomplished.…”