Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closures
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a flap-like opening between the two upper
chambers of the heart, known as the left and right atria. In the womb
all babies have an opening and after birth the flaps normally close to
form a solid wall called a septum between the chambers. If the PFO does
not close, the defect remains open and can permit blood that is normally
filtered by the lungs, to pass unfiltered into the left atrium and out
to the body including to the brain. Research indicates that persons suffering
from PFO may have an increased risk of stroke. PFOs do not present any
symptoms and some people may not be aware that they have the defect.
Interventional cardiologists may recommend closing the PFO using cardiac
catheterization to insert a plug in the opening. The procedure, just as
with other types of cardiac catheterization, involves the insertion of
a long flexible catheter tube in the femoral artery. This is guided by
the cardiologist into the heart. PFO closures may also be performed in
tandem during open heart surgery undertaken to repair some other heart defect.
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