PFO Closure
PFO Closure
A PFO closure is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure that implants a device between the upper two chambers of the heart (atria).
The closure device is implanted to close a small hole called patent foramen ovale (PFO) located between the patient’s upper chambers of the heart.
The patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole present in an unborn baby that generally closes after birth.
A PFO closure procedure may be needed in individuals whose PFO didn’t close after birth and is causing complications or risks, like stroke or blood clots.
The purpose of PFO is to let blood bypass the lungs in the fetus as it receives oxygen from the umbilical cord and doesn’t need the lungs for oxygen.
Who Is The Good Candidate For PFO Closure?
- Having a stroke or the risk of stroke with an unknown cause,
- The risk of blood clots
- Migraine headaches
- Paradoxical embolism
- Atrial septal aneurysm
- Decompression illness
- More than one transient ischemic attack.
What Are The Benefits Of PFO Closure?
- Shorter hospital stay
- Fast recovery than traditional open heart surgeries.
- It is a catheter-based procedure that involves making a small incision.
- The chances of complications, like arrhythmia, infection, or bleeding are minimal.
- It has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by 45% more than medication treatment.
How Is A PFO Closure Done?
The standard steps of PFO closure include:
An incision will be made in the blood vessel of your groin.
A deflated balloon attached to the tip of the catheter (flexible tube) will be inserted at the incision point of your groin.
With the help of a live X-ray or ultrasound imaging, the catheter will be guided to your heart.
As the catheter reaches the place of the hole, the balloon will be inflated to measure and match it with the size of the closure device.
The closure device will be attached and positioned at the place of the hole using the catheter.
The catheter will be removed from the groin, and the incision site will be closed with stitches.
- One month after the PFO closure procedure,
- Six months after the procedure and
- One year after the PFO closure.
Complications Of PFO Closure
- Blood clots
- Blood vessels damage
- Failure of PFO closure
- Dislocation or removal of the PFO device
- Arrhythmia
- Infection of the heart
- Pulmonary embolism
What Is The Success Rate Of PFO Closure?
PFO closure is a safe and effective procedure with a success rate of around 90-98%. Studies reveal that PFO has shown long-term prevention of stroke, a considerable reduction in migraine symptoms, and a significant improvement in quality of life.
Another study showed that young patients of around 47 years old on average with PFO closure therapy had a low rate of cardiovascular mortality and ischemic heart events at long-term follow-up.
Moreover, one-fifth of patients stopped their antithrombotic medication therapy after PFO closure during their follow-up without experiencing any ischemic heart events.
How The ‘Heart Valve Experts’ Can Help You With PFO Closure?
The ‘Heart Valve Experts’ are one of the best cardiovascular clinics in India. We have a team of heart specialists and healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care and treatment to our patients using the most advanced technology.
Our cardiologists are experienced in handling all types of PFO closure cases, and your heart health remains our top priority.
First, our team will evaluate your overall health condition and undergo some screening tests to check if you are the right candidate for the PFO closure procedure.
Next, you will receive a date for your procedure with some detailed instructions so you can prepare for the PFO closure.
Book a consultation appointment today to receive a detailed health checkup from our specialists
