Patent Foramen Ovale Transcatheter Repair
A Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a tiny, flap-like opening between the two upper chambers of the heart, known as the left and right atria. In the womb, all babies have the opening. After birth, the majority close to form a solid wall called a “septum.” According to Steven Burstein MD, PIH Health Interventional Cardiologist, “If the foramen remains open, a small amount of blood that is normally filtered by the lungs passes directly into the left atrium, circulating throughout the body, including the brain.”
While most PFOs do not present symptomatically and do not need treatments, very occasionally, they may lead to complications later in life such as a stroke.
“Treatment for PFOs vary depending the patient’s presentation and risk for recurrent stroke,” says Dr. Burstein. “Drug therapies including antiplatelet medications or anticoagulants can help prevent blood clots but may result in bleeding complications.”
An alternative to drug therapy is the minimally invasive transcatheter repair done in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. During the procedure, the Interventional Cardiologist delivers the closure device through the PFO by using a catheter that runs through a vein in the leg (femoral vein) to the heart. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and patients may go home the same day.
Talk with your doctor if you or a loved one has a history of blood clots. To find a doctor, go to PIHHealth.org/Doctor
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