Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
About
What is the Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Procedure?
A Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a small, congenital opening between the heart’s upper chambers (atria) that can allow blood clots to bypass the lungs and potentially cause strokes. The Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure procedure is a minimally invasive technique in which a closure device is delivered through a catheter inserted via the femoral vein in the groin to seal this opening. PFO closure may reduce the risk of recurrent stroke in selected patients where no clear cause of stroke has been found; most still need some medication.
How It's Done
How Is Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Done?
A small incision is made in the femoral vein in your groin.
A thin catheter with a deflated balloon is inserted through the incision and guided toward the heart using live X-ray or ultrasound imaging.
The balloon is briefly inflated to measure the size of the opening.
A specially designed Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure device is delivered through the catheter and positioned at the hole.
The device is released to seal the Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) permanently, allowing heart tissue to grow over it naturally.
The catheter is removed, and the incision is closed with a stitch or bandage.
Who it’s for?
Who Needs Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure?
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure is considered only for patients who have a confirmed Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and meet one or more of the following criteria:
Had a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (mini-stroke) with no clear cause.- Evaluated for cryptogenic stroke during bubble contrast study or pressure testing, where Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is found as a contributing factor
- PFO closure may be considered in adults who have had a stroke with no other clear cause and who have a PFO with higher risk features, usually between the ages of 18 and 60. Your cardiologist and neurologist decide whether it suits you.
- Have an atrial septal aneurysm.
- Have migraines with aura.
- Experienced a paradoxical embolism or decompression illness.
- Are at risk of blood clots.
- Prefer a one-time procedure instead of long-term blood thinners
- Want to prevent future strokes without ongoing medication
Benefits of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
What are the Benefits of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Device Closure?
Minimally invasive
Done through a small incision using a catheter
Stroke prevention
Seals the Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) to reduce the risk of future strokes
No open-heart surgery
Avoids major surgery and large chest incisions
Quick hospital stay
Most patients are discharged within 24 hours
Faster recovery
Return to daily activities within a few days
Fewer complications
Low risk of arrhythmia, infection, or bleeding
One-time treatment
Provides long-term protection with a single procedure
Outcomes of Procedure Delay
Risks of Delay of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
- Continued reliance on medications with potential side effects
Procedure Timeline
Recovery & Follow-Up Timeline
Day of Procedure
Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days after the Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure.
1 Month
First follow-up with an echocardiogram to confirm device position and healing.
6 Months
Clinical review to assess recovery and adjust medications if needed.
1 Year
Final follow-up to ensure complete closure and reduced stroke risk.
Beyond 1 Year
No routine follow-ups needed unless advised by your heart specialist.
What Sets us Apart
Why Choose Heart Valve Experts?
PFO closure team
Our interventional cardiologists manage stroke patients with Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and perform evidence-based device closure.
Cath lab
Imaging and navigation systems guide device placement.
Personalized Device Selection
We select the most appropriate Patent Foramen Ovale closure closure device based on your risk profile and anatomical features.
Minimally invasive
No open-heart surgery. PFO closure may reduce the risk of recurrent stroke in selected patients; most still need some medication.
End-to-End Care
From diagnosis to post-procedure follow-up, our multidisciplinary heart team ensures seamless and comprehensive care.
Your Consultation
What to expect at your consultation
- What should I bring to my consultation?
- Please bring your previous reports, such as echocardiogram (echo), ECG, CT scan and angiography reports, along with discharge summaries and a list of the medicines you take.
- What happens during the consultation?
- The doctor reviews your medical history and reports, examines you and explains your heart condition. If more information is needed, further tests may be advised.
- Will I be told about all treatment options?
- Yes. The doctor discusses the options that may suit you, including medicines, catheter-based procedures and surgery, with their possible benefits and risks, so you can decide with your family.
- Can I get an opinion on my existing reports first?
- Yes. You can share your reports for a review before you visit. The doctor will tell you whether an in-person assessment is needed.
FAQs
