While about 95% of people with a PFO will never be affected , a small number of those with this condition absolutely should be treated to lower their risk for future strokes.
Every baby has a PFO while they are still in their mother’s uterus. In about 75% of births, the PFO closes on its own as soon as the baby starts breathing on its own. Most of the remaining 25% whose PFO stays open will never have a problem. Unfortunately, for a few of these people, having a PFO may allow small blood clots to pass through the heart and up to the brain where it can cause a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is like a stroke but does not leave lasting brain damage.
People who are potential candidates for PFO closure are usually referred from a neurologist to a cardiologist following an unexplained stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). Several clinical studies have demonstrated that for appropriate patients, having a PFO closure significantly reduces the risk for future strokes when compared with taking stroke-prevention medication alone.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
TEE is a specialized ultrasound that uses a small probe inserted into the esophagus to provide detailed images of the heart and confirm the presence of a PFO. This test is often performed with bubble contrast (agitated saline) to detect the passage of blood through the PFO.
Holter or extended heart monitoring
A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that monitors your heart rhythm for one or two days. This test can detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) or other abnormal heart rhythms that could potentially cause a stroke. Identifying AFib is crucial, as it may change the treatment approach and eliminate the need for PFO closure.
Brain imaging
MRI or CT scans may be performed to identify signs of previous strokes or other conditions that might influence treatment decisions.
Blood tests
Blood tests allow us to evaluate you for clotting disorders or other conditions that may contribute to stroke risk.
Consultation with a neurologist
This will ensure a thorough evaluation of all potential stroke causes and confirm that a PFO is likely to be the contributing factor.
PFO closure is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure that is performed in the catheterization laboratory by an interventional cardiologist who uses specialized devices approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). You are given a mild sedation before the procedure.
The interventional cardiologist inserts a catheter, or thin tube, into your femoral artery, which is a blood vessel near the groin. Once the catheter reaches your heart, the doctor carefully closes the PFO by placing a circular mesh-and-wire seal (similar to a stent) on one side of the hole and another seal on the other. Your heart tissue will grow around and eventually cover the seals.
Most patients go home the same day, although a few will spend one night in the hospital. Patients are advised to take it easy for a few days. Virtually all patients recover fully within a week.
Displaying 0 of 0
University Hospital
600 Highland Ave /Madison, WI 
(608) 263-6400
Heart Hospital
- 1401 E State St, (Charles St. entrance) /
Rockford, IL - (779) 696-6102
