Patient foramen ovale closure is a minimally invasive procedure used to seal an abnormal, small hole between the left and right atria. This education provides an overview of patent foramen ovale and the role of percutaneous PFO closure in the management of selected patients. The education reviews PFO anatomy and physiology, its prevalence, clinical manifestations, and potential association with cryptogenic stroke and paradoxical embolism.

​

Participants will learn how PFO is diagnosed, including the use of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, contrast echocardiography (bubble study), and color Doppler. The resources also review the indications and procedural considerations for PFO closure, including patient preparation, anesthesia and sedation, vascular access, anticoagulation, imaging guidance, device deployment, and confirmation of device position.

​

Post-procedure and follow-up management are addressed, including access-site care, potential post-procedure symptoms and complications, antiplatelet or antithrombotic therapy, antibiotic prophylaxis considerations, dental precautions, and follow-up echocardiography. The education also introduces available PFO closure technology and reviews evidence from major clinical trials, including the RESPECT, REDUCE, and CLOSE trials.