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.
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