Percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale for the prevention of cerebral embolic stroke
Summary
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale for the prevention of cerebral embolic stroke.
Description
A patent foramen ovale is the persistence of a hole (the foramen ovale) in the wall (septum) between the right atrium and left atrium of the heart. The foramen ovale usually closes spontaneously after birth; however, in as many as 1 out of 4 people, the foramen ovale does not close completely and it remains patent throughout life. In most people, the persistence of a patent foramen ovale does not cause any complications. Treatment is usually aimed at patients with a history of previous cerebral embolic events.
Treatment options include medical treatment with antiplatelet (eg aspirin) or anticoagulation therapy, surgical closure (open-heart surgery), and percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale.
Percutaneous closure involves making a small incision in the groin under intravenous sedation. A guidewire and delivery sheath are then introduced into the vein and passed into the heart, across the patent foramen ovale. A closure device is inserted through the opening via the delivery sheath and released, closing the foramen ovale.
OPCS code:
Details
Central nervous system
Surgical procedures
Contact details:
(for general enquiries or comments)
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments)
ip@nice.org.uk
Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA
