Przetrwały otwór owalny
Charakterystyka, pielęgnacja i opieka

Przetrwały otwór owalny (PFO) to anatomiczny defekt polegający na utrzymaniu drożności otworu międzyprzedsionkowego, który u około 25% populacji pozostaje otwarty po urodzeniu. Diagnostyka PFO opiera się głównie na echokardiografii przezprzełykowej z testem kontrastowym i manewrem Valsalvy, będącej złotym standardem, a także na echokardiografii przezklatkowej, MRI i CT. PFO jest istotne klinicznie przede wszystkim w kontekście udarów kryptogennych, zwłaszcza u osób ≤60 lat, gdzie mechanizm zatorowości paradoksalnej może prowadzić do zatorów mózgowych. Skala RoPE pomaga ocenić ryzyko powiązania PFO z udarem. Wskazania do przezskórnego zamknięcia PFO obejmują udary kryptogenne z potwierdzonym przeciekiem prawo-lewo, a procedura ta jest minimalnie inwazyjna, wykonywana z dostępu przez żyłę udową, z zastosowaniem okludera i terapią przeciwpłytkową (aspiryna i klopidogrel) przez 6-12 miesięcy po zabiegu.

Wprowadzenie do przetrwałego otworu owalnego

Przetrwały otwór owalny (ang. Patent Foramen Ovale, PFO) to mały otwór między prawym i lewym przedsionkiem serca, który w normalnych warunkach zamyka się po urodzeniu dziecka. Otwór owalny (foramen ovale) ma istotną rolę w krążeniu płodowym, umożliwiając przepływ krwi z prawego przedsionka do lewego, z pominięciem niedojrzałych płuc płodu. Po urodzeniu, kiedy dziecko zaczyna oddychać, ciśnienie w lewym przedsionku wzrasta, co zazwyczaj prowadzi do zamknięcia tego otworu w ciągu pierwszych miesięcy życia.12

U około 25% populacji otwór owalny pozostaje drożny przez całe życie, tworząc przetrwały otwór owalny. PFO może umożliwiać przepływ niewielkiej ilości krwi między przedsionkami, jednak u większości osób nie powoduje to żadnych objawów ani problemów zdrowotnych. Większość pacjentów z PFO nie jest nawet świadoma jego obecności, a rozpoznanie jest często przypadkowe, podczas badań wykonywanych z innych powodów.34

Rozpoznanie i diagnostyka PFO

Przetrwały otwór owalny najczęściej jest diagnozowany przypadkowo, podczas badań wykonywanych z innych przyczyn. Jeśli lekarz podejrzewa obecność PFO, może zlecić badania obrazowe serca. Najczęściej stosowanymi metodami diagnostycznymi są:56

7

W przypadku podejrzenia, że PFO mógł być przyczyną udaru mózgu, przeprowadza się również ocenę za pomocą skali RoPE (Risk of Paradoxical Embolism), która pomaga określić prawdopodobieństwo związku między PFO a udarem oraz pomaga w podejmowaniu decyzji dotyczących ewentualnego zamknięcia PFO.89

Objawy kliniczne i potencjalne powikłania

Większość pacjentów z PFO nie doświadcza żadnych objawów. Jednak w niektórych przypadkach PFO może być związane z różnymi powikłaniami:1011

  • Udar kryptogenny – najpoważniejsze potencjalne powikłanie, szczególnie u młodszych osób dorosłych
  • Migreny z aurą – niektóre badania sugerują związek między PFO a migrenami
  • Zespół platypnea-ortodeoksja – niska saturacja krwi tlenem i duszność w pozycji pionowej
  • Zwiększone ryzyko choroby dekompresyjnej u nurków
  • Przejściowe ataki niedokrwienne (TIA) – mini-udary

1213

Mechanizm powstawania udaru związanego z PFO polega na tzw. zatorowości paradoksalnej. Kiedy zakrzep tworzy się w układzie żylnym (np. w żyłach kończyn dolnych), może on przedostać się przez PFO z prawego do lewego przedsionka, a następnie do krążenia systemowego, omijając filtry płucne, które normalnie zatrzymują takie zakrzepy. Jeśli zakrzep dotrze do naczyń mózgowych, może spowodować udar mózgu.1415

Opieka pielęgniarska nad pacjentem z PFO

Opieka pielęgniarska nad pacjentem z przetrwałym otworem owalnym koncentruje się głównie na edukacji pacjenta, przygotowaniu do ewentualnych procedur terapeutycznych oraz monitorowaniu i zapobieganiu powikłaniom. Kluczowym elementem jest również interdyscyplinarne podejście, obejmujące współpracę pomiędzy kardiologami, neurologami i pielęgniarkami.1617

Edukacja pacjenta

Edukacja pacjenta z rozpoznanym PFO powinna obejmować:1819

  • Wyjaśnienie istoty schorzenia i potencjalnych konsekwencji
  • Omówienie dostępnych opcji terapeutycznych i ich znaczenia
  • Edukację na temat konieczności przyjmowania leków przeciwpłytkowych lub przeciwkrzepliwych, jeśli zostały zalecone
  • Wskazówki dotyczące profilaktyki zakrzepicy żył głębokich, szczególnie podczas długich podróży
  • Informacje o ograniczeniach aktywności (np. nurkowanie z akwalungiem)
  • Rozpoznawanie objawów udaru mózgu i konieczność natychmiastowego kontaktu z personelem medycznym w przypadku ich wystąpienia

2021

Przygotowanie do zamknięcia PFO

W przypadku pacjentów zakwalifikowanych do zabiegu przezskórnego zamknięcia PFO, opieka pielęgniarska przed zabiegiem obejmuje:2223

  • Przygotowanie pacjenta psychiczne i fizyczne do zabiegu
  • Wykonanie badań diagnostycznych (EKG, RTG klatki piersiowej, badania laboratoryjne)
  • Rozpoczęcie terapii przeciwpłytkowej (zazwyczaj aspiryna i klopidogrel) przed zabiegiem
  • Podanie antybiotykoterapii na godzinę przed zabiegiem (najczęściej cefazolina lub wankomycyna u pacjentów uczulonych na penicyliny)
  • Zapewnienie nawodnienia dożylnego przed i w trakcie zabiegu
  • Przygotowanie miejsca dostępu naczyniowego (najczęściej okolica pachwiny)

2425

Procedura zamknięcia PFO i opieka pielęgniarska

Zamknięcie przetrwałego otworu owalnego jest najczęściej wykonywane metodą przezskórną, z wykorzystaniem cewnika wprowadzanego przez żyłę udową do serca. Procedura ta jest minimalne inwazyjna i zazwyczaj nie wymaga znieczulenia ogólnego.2627

Przebieg zabiegu

Procedura przezskórnego zamknięcia PFO obejmuje następujące etapy:2829

  • Uzyskanie dostępu naczyniowego przez żyłę udową
  • Podanie heparyny w celu zapobiegania zakrzepom podczas zabiegu
  • Wprowadzenie cewnika do prawego przedsionka, a następnie przez PFO do lewego przedsionka
  • Umieszczenie specjalnego urządzenia zamykającego (okludera) w miejscu PFO
  • Potwierdzenie prawidłowej pozycji urządzenia za pomocą echokardiografii
  • Usunięcie cewnika i zamknięcie miejsca dostępu naczyniowego

3031

Zabieg trwa zazwyczaj od 30 minut do 2 godzin i jest stosunkowo bezbolesny. Urządzenie zamykające pozostaje w sercu na stałe, zapobiegając nieprawidłowemu przepływowi krwi między przedsionkami.3233

Opieka pielęgniarska po zabiegu

Po zabiegu przezskórnego zamknięcia PFO, opieka pielęgniarska koncentruje się na monitorowaniu pacjenta i zapobieganiu powikłaniom. Obejmuje ona:3435

  • Monitorowanie parametrów życiowych (tętno, ciśnienie tętnicze, saturacja)
  • Obserwacja miejsca wkłucia pod kątem krwawienia lub innych powikłań
  • Kontrola rytmu serca (EKG) w kierunku zaburzeń rytmu, szczególnie migotania przedsionków
  • Edukacja pacjenta dotycząca dalszego postępowania i ograniczeń aktywności
  • Przekazanie informacji o konieczności przyjmowania leków przeciwpłytkowych
  • Organizacja kontroli ambulatoryjnej

3637

Większość pacjentów może opuścić szpital tego samego dnia lub po jednej nocy obserwacji. Pachwina, gdzie był wprowadzony cewnik, może być bolesna i zasiniona przez kilka dni.3839

Zalecenia dla pacjenta po zabiegu

Po zabiegu zamknięcia PFO pacjent powinien otrzymać szczegółowe instrukcje dotyczące dalszego postępowania:4041

  • Unikanie intensywnego wysiłku fizycznego oraz podnoszenia, ciągnięcia lub pchania ciężkich przedmiotów przez co najmniej tydzień lub do czasu zalecenia przez lekarza
  • Utrzymywanie opatrunku na miejscu wkłucia przez 1-2 dni
  • Możliwość prysznica po 24-48 godzinach, z delikatnym osuszaniem miejsca wkłucia
  • Unikanie moczenia miejsca wkłucia do czasu jego zagojenia (brak kąpieli lub pływania przez co najmniej tydzień)
  • Powrót do normalnych aktywności zazwyczaj po 1-2 dniach, a pełny powrót do zdrowia w ciągu tygodnia do dwóch

4243

Długoterminowa opieka nad pacjentem po zamknięciu PFO

Po zabiegu zamknięcia PFO, pacjent wymaga długoterminowej obserwacji i specjalistycznej opieki medycznej.4445

Kontrole ambulatoryjne

Plan wizyt kontrolnych po zamknięciu PFO zazwyczaj obejmuje:4647

  • Pierwsza wizyta kontrolna po około miesiącu od zabiegu
  • Kolejne wizyty po 6 miesiącach i po roku
  • Podczas każdej wizyty wykonuje się RTG klatki piersiowej, EKG i echokardiogram w celu oceny pozycji urządzenia i skuteczności zamknięcia PFO
  • Po roku pacjent zazwyczaj wraca pod opiekę kierującego kardiologa

4849

Farmakoterapia po zabiegu

Po zamknięciu PFO pacjent wymaga farmakoterapii, która obejmuje:5051

  • Leki przeciwpłytkowe (aspiryna) przez 6 miesięcy do roku
  • Klopidogrel (Plavix) przez co najmniej 6 miesięcy
  • Antybiotykoterapia profilaktyczna przed zabiegami stomatologicznymi i innymi procedurami medycznymi przez rok po zabiegu w celu zmniejszenia ryzyka infekcyjnego zapalenia wsierdzia

5253

Potencjalne powikłania po zamknięciu PFO

Chociaż zamknięcie PFO jest uważane za procedurę o niskim ryzyku, mogą wystąpić pewne powikłania, którymi personel pielęgniarski powinien się zajmować:5455

  • Migotanie przedsionków – najczęstsze powikłanie, zwiększa ryzyko o około 3,4%
  • Embolizacja urządzenia
  • Uszkodzenie naczyń lub perforacja ściany przedsionka
  • Zatorowość powietrzna
  • Tworzenie skrzeplin wokół urządzenia
  • Infekcyjne zapalenie wsierdzia

5657

Pielęgniarki powinny edukować pacjentów w zakresie rozpoznawania objawów poważnych powikłań, takich jak bardzo szybkie bicie serca, przeskakiwanie lub trzepotanie, krwawienie z miejsca wprowadzenia cewnika, gorączka, osłabienie lub duszność.5859

Interdyscyplinarne podejście do opieki nad pacjentem z PFO

Skuteczna opieka nad pacjentem z PFO wymaga współpracy interdyscyplinarnego zespołu, w skład którego wchodzą:6061

  • Kardiolodzy interwencyjni ze specjalnym przeszkoleniem w zakresie chorób strukturalnych serca
  • Kardiolodzy dziecięcy (w przypadku młodszych pacjentów)
  • Chirurdzy kardiotorakalni
  • Specjaliści w zakresie echokardiografii, MRI i tomografii komputerowej
  • Neurolodzy
  • Pielęgniarki kardiologiczne
  • Farmaceuci kliniczni

6263

Rola pielęgniarki w tym zespole jest kluczowa i obejmuje koordynację opieki, edukację pacjenta, monitorowanie przed, w trakcie i po zabiegach, a także udział w podejmowaniu decyzji dotyczących leczenia.6465

Edukacja zdrowotna i profilaktyka

Pielęgniarki odgrywają istotną rolę w edukacji zdrowotnej pacjentów z PFO, szczególnie w zakresie zapobiegania udarom mózgu. Zalecenia profilaktyczne, które powinny być przekazywane pacjentom, obejmują:6667

  • Utrzymanie zdrowej diety, przyjaznej dla serca
  • Kontrolowanie nadciśnienia tętniczego i wysokiego poziomu cholesterolu
  • Utrzymanie prawidłowej masy ciała
  • Zaprzestanie palenia tytoniu i używania produktów tytoniowych
  • Unikanie alkoholu i narkotyków rekreacyjnych
  • Leczenie chorób, które mogą zwiększać ryzyko udaru, takich jak migotanie przedsionków
  • Stosowanie środków zapobiegających zakrzepicy żył głębokich podczas długich podróży (regularne przerwy na spacery, odpowiednie nawodnienie)

6869

Specjalne aspekty opieki nad wybranymi grupami pacjentów

Opieka nad dziećmi z PFO

W przypadku dzieci z rozpoznanym PFO, opieka pielęgniarska ma pewne szczególne aspekty:7071

  • Większość dzieci z izolowanym PFO nie wymaga leczenia
  • Jeśli dziecko wymaga operacji z powodu innej wady serca, PFO może być zamknięte podczas tego zabiegu
  • Po zabiegu zamknięcia PFO, dziecko zazwyczaj otrzymuje aspirynę przez kilka miesięcy jako środek ostrożności
  • Edukacja rodziców dotycząca rozpoznawania objawów potencjalnych powikłań
  • Informacja, że większość dzieci z PFO może prowadzić normalne, aktywne życie bez żadnych ograniczeń

7273

Opieka nad pacjentami z PFO i udarem

Pacjenci, którzy przebyli udar mózgu związany z PFO, wymagają specjalnego podejścia:7475

  • U pacjentów w wieku ≤60 lat z kryptogennym udarem zatorowym i PFO (bez innego źródła udaru) z przeciekiem prawo-lewo, zaleca się przezskórne zamknięcie PFO jako uzupełnienie terapii przeciwpłytkowej
  • Jeśli pacjent wymaga operacji kardiochirurgicznej lub nie kwalifikuje się do przezskórnego zamknięcia, zaleca się zamknięcie PFO metodą chirurgiczną
  • U pacjentów, którzy nie kwalifikują się do zamknięcia PFO, zaleca się terapię przeciwpłytkową, z wyjątkiem wybranych pacjentów z ostrą zakrzepicą żył głębokich, zatorowością płucną lub inną żylną chorobą zakrzepowo-zatorową, którzy są leczeni antykoagulantami
  • Jeśli u pacjenta wystąpi nawrotowy udar kryptogenny podczas terapii przeciwpłytkowej, a PFO nie zostało zamknięte, sugeruje się zamknięcie PFO

7677

Pacjenci z PFO i migrenami

Niektóre badania sugerują związek między PFO a migrenami, szczególnie tymi z aurą. Jednak zamknięcie PFO w celu zapobiegania migrenom nie jest obecnie zalecane jako leczenie pierwszego rzutu. Pielęgniarki powinny edukować pacjentów, że:7879

  • Związek między PFO a migrenami jest wciąż badany i nie jest jednoznacznie ustalony
  • Decyzja o zamknięciu PFO powinna być podejmowana indywidualnie, uwzględniając wszystkie korzyści i ryzyka
  • Leczenie migreny powinno być prowadzone zgodnie z aktualnymi standardami, niezależnie od obecności PFO

80

Podsumowanie opieki pielęgniarskiej nad pacjentem z PFO

Opieka pielęgniarska nad pacjentem z przetrwałym otworem owalnym jest złożonym procesem, który wymaga indywidualnego podejścia oraz ścisłej współpracy interdyscyplinarnej. Kluczowe elementy tej opieki obejmują:8182

  • Edukację pacjenta na temat istoty schorzenia i potencjalnych powikłań
  • Przygotowanie do procedur diagnostycznych i terapeutycznych
  • Monitorowanie stanu pacjenta przed, w trakcie i po zabiegu zamknięcia PFO
  • Zapobieganie powikłaniom i ich wczesne rozpoznawanie
  • Koordynację długoterminowej opieki i kontroli ambulatoryjnej
  • Edukację zdrowotną w zakresie profilaktyki udarów mózgu i innych powikłań sercowo-naczyniowych

8384

Większość pacjentów z PFO może prowadzić normalne, aktywne życie bez szczególnych ograniczeń. Jednak w przypadku pacjentów z dodatkowymi czynnikami ryzyka, takimi jak przebyty udar mózgu, zakrzepica żył głębokich lub wysoka częstość migren z aurą, konieczne może być zastosowanie leczenia farmakologicznego lub zabiegowego. Pielęgniarka odgrywa kluczową rolę w edukacji pacjenta na temat tych opcji terapeutycznych oraz w zapewnieniu kompleksowej opieki przed, w trakcie i po ewentualnych zabiegach.8586

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  1. 09.04.2026
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Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | American Heart Association
    https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    A hole in your heart would seem to be the very definition of a „problem.” Yet more than a quarter of the population has one type of hole in the heart, called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and for most people it causes no adverse health effects. In fact, the vast majority of those affected don’t even know it. […] For the vast majority of the millions of people with a PFO, it is not a problem, even though a small amount of blood can leak from the left to the right atrium, causing a slight increase in blood flowing to the lungs. […] Problems can arise when pressures within the heart change for various reasons and the foramen ovale flap never completely sealed, allowing blood to flow from the right atrium to the left. If that blood contains a clot it can travel elsewhere in the body including the brain, which could lead to a stroke. […] In some cases of more complex congenital heart disease, a PFO may be helpful and necessary. The opening can allow blood to cross from one side or the other to provide necessary flow to an area that is not receiving normal blood flow.
  • #2 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | American Stroke Association
    https://www.stroke.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    A hole in your heart would seem to be the very definition of a „problem.” Yet more than a quarter of the population has one type of hole in the heart, called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and for most people it causes no adverse health effects. In fact, the vast majority of those affected don’t even know it. […] PFOs, on the other hand, are normal before birth but may fail to close after birth. The foramen ovale is a hole in the wall between the left and right atria of every human fetus. This hole allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs, which cannot work until air is inhaled after birth. […] For the vast majority of the millions of people with a PFO, it is not a problem, even though a small amount of blood can leak from the left to the right atrium, causing a slight increase in blood flowing to the lungs.
  • #3 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17326-patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small communication between the upper right and left chambers of your heart. PFO affects about 25% of people. PFO often doesnt cause any symptoms and may not require treatment. But it can sometimes indicate stroke or mini-stroke. If you have a history of stroke or blood clots, your provider may suggest treatment. Treatments include medications, catheterization and surgery. Most people with patent foramen ovale can lead full lives.
  • #4 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | American Heart Association
    https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    A hole in your heart would seem to be the very definition of a „problem.” Yet more than a quarter of the population has one type of hole in the heart, called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and for most people it causes no adverse health effects. In fact, the vast majority of those affected don’t even know it. […] For the vast majority of the millions of people with a PFO, it is not a problem, even though a small amount of blood can leak from the left to the right atrium, causing a slight increase in blood flowing to the lungs. […] Problems can arise when pressures within the heart change for various reasons and the foramen ovale flap never completely sealed, allowing blood to flow from the right atrium to the left. If that blood contains a clot it can travel elsewhere in the body including the brain, which could lead to a stroke. […] In some cases of more complex congenital heart disease, a PFO may be helpful and necessary. The opening can allow blood to cross from one side or the other to provide necessary flow to an area that is not receiving normal blood flow.
  • #5 Patent foramen ovale – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patent-foramen-ovale/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353491
    Usually a patent foramen ovale is diagnosed when tests are done for another health concern. If your health care provider thinks you may have a patent foramen ovale (PFO), imaging tests of the heart may be done. […] Most people with a patent foramen ovale don’t need treatment. If a PFO is found when an echocardiogram is done for other reasons, a procedure to close the hole usually isn’t done. […] When treatment for a PFO is needed, it may include: Medicines, A catheter procedure to close the hole, Surgery to close the hole. […] Your doctor may recommend medicines to try to reduce the risk of blood clots crossing a patent foramen ovale. Blood thinners may be helpful for some people with a patent foramen ovale who’ve had a stroke. […] If you have a PFO and low blood oxygen levels or an unexplained stroke, you may need a procedure to close the hole.
  • #6 Patent foramen ovale | Health Library | Memorial Health System
    https://www.mhsystem.org/health-library/con-20316972/
    Most people never need treatment for patent foramen ovale. […] Usually a patent foramen ovale is diagnosed when tests are done for another health concern. If your health care provider thinks you may have a PFO, imaging tests of the heart may be done. […] Most people with a patent foramen ovale dont need treatment. If a PFO is found when an echocardiogram is done for other reasons, a procedure to close the hole usually isnt done. […] Your doctor may recommend medicines to try to reduce the risk of blood clots crossing a patent foramen ovale. Blood thinners may be helpful for some people with a patent foramen ovale whove had a stroke. […] If you have a PFO and low blood oxygen levels or an unexplained stroke, you may need a procedure to close the hole. […] If you know you have a patent foramen ovale, but dont have symptoms, you probably wont have any restrictions on your activities.
  • #7 Catheter Management of Patent Foramen Ovale | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/184
    Data exists showing that PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke can be cost-effective. One study demonstrated the effectiveness of PFO closure depends on the device used. The gold standard for diagnosis of PFO remains to be a transoesophageal echocardiogram with a bubble test after a sustained Valsalva maneuver. Once identified, the structure can undergo assessment for the need for treatment. There are surgical, transcatheter, and medical therapies available for treatment. The percutaneous transcatheter approach is coming more into favor, as most patients prefer the less invasive procedure. […] Indications for transcatheter PFO closure include recurrent cryptogenic stroke because of presumed paradoxical embolism, recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIA), history of paradoxical peripheral embolism, decompression sickness, and migraine.
  • #8 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) – Cardionerds
    https://www.cardionerds.com/infographics-patent-foramen-ovale-pfo/
    Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a remnant of fetal circulation, presenting as a persistent connection between the left and right atria. Affecting approximately 2530% of the population, it often has no symptoms but may be associated with certain clinical conditions. […] Management: Based on clinical findings, incidental PFOs may not require closure. For specific conditions: Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome: Consider closure. Cryptogenic Stroke: Evaluate PFO-associated stroke risk using tools like the RoPE score, which assesses likelihood of PFO-related stroke and classifies closure recommendations using the PASCAL score. […] Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE Score): Factors such as no history of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, smoking, and age contribute points toward estimating stroke risk likelihood and whether to consider PFO closure.
  • #9 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Symptoms & Treatment | Baystate Health
    https://www.baystatehealth.org/medical-services/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-symptoms-treatment
    Get the Care You Need for PFO In some cases, a PFO may lead to an increased risk of stroke without treatment. […] Our team of heart and vascular providers at Baystate Health is the only one in the area that treats PFO. […] Weve developed a team-based approach to caring for this condition that brings together experts from our neurology and heart and vascular departments to make sure you get the care you need for PFO. […] PFO increases the risk of a stroke caused by deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can form in the veins of the legs. […] If we find that you do have a PFO, we then use a calculation called a risk of paradoxical embolism (RoPE) score to determine how likely it is your stroke was the result of your PFO. […] On the day of your surgery, well give you medications through an IV to make you sleepy but still able to respond to requests (conscious sedation).
  • #10 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): Symptoms & Causes | NewYork-Presbyterian
    https://www.nyp.org/heart/congenital-heart-disease/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a flap-like opening in the heart between the upper chambers. […] When the flap doesnt fully close, its called a patent foramen ovale (PFO). […] PFO is common, presenting in about one in four people. But more than 95% of those with the condition will never find out, as most dont suffer PFO symptoms or health issues. Heart specialists dont often need to diagnose or treat PFO in healthy patients. However, some people experience symptoms and complications of PFO, such as migraine headaches in adults and an increased risk of blood clots or stroke. […] In general, patent foramen ovale doesnt cause symptoms or health complications, but it can increase your risk for developing the following: Migraine headaches, Blood clots, Low oxygen levels (Platypnea orthodeoxia), Shortness of breath and dizziness if you suffer from low oxygen levels, Increased chance of decompression illness (the bends) in scuba or deep-sea divers, Stroke, Transient ischemic attack (TIA), which may be an early warning sign of a stroke. Sometimes called a ministroke, Heart attack (rare), Vision loss.
  • #11 Patent Foramen Ovale | Structural Heart | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MI
    https://www.henryford.com/services/structural-heart/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale
    A patent foramen ovale may increase the risk of stroke, from tiny blood clots that develop in the veins and may travel to the brain. […] A PFO does not produce symptoms unless you have another heart condition, but it can increase your risk of stroke. […] If you have a PFO, your doctor may recommend treating it, with several options possible: Medication and monitoring: You probably dont need to have the defect closed if youve never had a stroke or experienced symptoms attributable to the PFO. […] Our team may recommend a procedure if youve had a stroke that we feel was caused by the PFO.
  • #12 Patent Foramen Ovale
    https://med.uth.edu/heartandvascular/patent-foramen-ovale/
    Patent foramen ovale may not require treatment, especially if it is small and not causing any symptoms. […] If a PFO is associated with a history of stroke or TIA, recurrent migraines with aura, or decompression illness in scuba divers, treatment options may include: […] If you have a known history of stroke, TIA, or recurrent migraines with aura, or if you are a scuba diver with a history of decompression illness, it is essential to consult a physician for evaluation and appropriate management. […] A cardiologist can assess the risk factors and discuss the potential benefits and risks of PFO closure or other treatment options. […] If you experience any symptoms of a stroke or neurological disturbances, seek immediate medical attention, as these may be signs of a paradoxical embolism related to the PFO.
  • #13 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): Symptoms & Causes | NewYork-Presbyterian
    https://www.nyp.org/heart/congenital-heart-disease/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a flap-like opening in the heart between the upper chambers. […] When the flap doesnt fully close, its called a patent foramen ovale (PFO). […] PFO is common, presenting in about one in four people. But more than 95% of those with the condition will never find out, as most dont suffer PFO symptoms or health issues. Heart specialists dont often need to diagnose or treat PFO in healthy patients. However, some people experience symptoms and complications of PFO, such as migraine headaches in adults and an increased risk of blood clots or stroke. […] In general, patent foramen ovale doesnt cause symptoms or health complications, but it can increase your risk for developing the following: Migraine headaches, Blood clots, Low oxygen levels (Platypnea orthodeoxia), Shortness of breath and dizziness if you suffer from low oxygen levels, Increased chance of decompression illness (the bends) in scuba or deep-sea divers, Stroke, Transient ischemic attack (TIA), which may be an early warning sign of a stroke. Sometimes called a ministroke, Heart attack (rare), Vision loss.
  • #14 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | American Heart Association
    https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    A hole in your heart would seem to be the very definition of a „problem.” Yet more than a quarter of the population has one type of hole in the heart, called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and for most people it causes no adverse health effects. In fact, the vast majority of those affected don’t even know it. […] For the vast majority of the millions of people with a PFO, it is not a problem, even though a small amount of blood can leak from the left to the right atrium, causing a slight increase in blood flowing to the lungs. […] Problems can arise when pressures within the heart change for various reasons and the foramen ovale flap never completely sealed, allowing blood to flow from the right atrium to the left. If that blood contains a clot it can travel elsewhere in the body including the brain, which could lead to a stroke. […] In some cases of more complex congenital heart disease, a PFO may be helpful and necessary. The opening can allow blood to cross from one side or the other to provide necessary flow to an area that is not receiving normal blood flow.
  • #15 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | American Stroke Association
    https://www.stroke.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Problems can arise when pressures within the heart change for various reasons and the foramen ovale flap never completely sealed, allowing blood to flow from the right atrium to the left. If that blood contains a clot it can travel elsewhere in the body including the brain, which could lead to a stroke. […] In some cases of more complex congenital heart disease, a PFO may be helpful and necessary. The opening can allow blood to cross from one side or the other to provide necessary flow to an area that is not receiving normal blood flow.
  • #16 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | University of Iowa Health Care
    https://uihc.org/services/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Its important to choose a team of heart specialists who can correctly detect and thoroughly evaluate a PFO. […] Our team examines you and reviews your test results. They work together to determine whether you need a procedure to close your PFO. […] Your care team may include: Interventional cardiologists with specific training and experience in structural heart disease, Heart surgeons, Specialists in cardiac ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, Neurologists. […] PFOs that need repair can usually be closed with a cardiac catheterization procedure to place a device that seals off the flap. […] UI Heart and Vascular Center cardiologists were part of clinical trials to test devices for PFO closure, so theyre among the nations most experienced specialists. […] Your care team will choose the treatment that works best for you. They might recommend treating your PFO with medication to prevent blood clots from forming.
  • #17 Treatment Considerations for Patent Foramen Ovale-Associated Stroke – AACN
    https://www.aacn.org/education/ce-activities/nti24341/treatment-considerations-for-patent-foramen-ovaleassociated-stroke
    The foramen ovale serves a vital role in utero, allowing blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to bypass the babys immature lungs. While it usually closes after birth, in 25% of the adult population it has not; this is referred to as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). A PFO can cause an ischemic stroke. […] This foundational session focuses on how a PFO causes a stroke, treatment options for these patients and the nursing care for patients undergoing percutaneous closure. […] Describe the nursing care for a patient undergoing percutaneous placement of a PFO closure device.
  • #18 Patent foramen ovale – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patent-foramen-ovale/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353491
    Closure of a patent foramen ovale to prevent migraines isn’t currently recommended as the first treatment. Closure of a patent foramen ovale to prevent recurrent stroke is only done after care providers trained in heart and nervous system disorders have said that the procedure will help you. […] If you know you have a patent foramen ovale, but don’t have symptoms, you probably won’t have any restrictions on your activities. […] If you’ll be traveling long distances, it’s important to follow recommendations for preventing blood clots. If you’re traveling by car, take breaks and go for short walks. On an airplane, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and walk around whenever it’s safe to do so. […] After a patent foramen ovale has been diagnosed, you’ll likely have a lot of questions for your health care providers. Some questions you may want to ask include: What caused this to happen? How dangerous is this condition? What treatments are available? Which do you recommend? What are the risks of a procedure to close the patent foramen ovale? I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together? Should activity be restricted in any way? Could I have passed this condition on to my child? Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?
  • #19 Patent Foramen Ovale – What You Need to Know
    https://www.drugs.com/cg/patent-foramen-ovale.html
    A PFO that does not cause health problems usually does not need to be treated. A large PFO can cause a stroke, migraine headache, or other health problems. The following may be used to prevent a stroke or treat the PFO: […] Blood thinning medicine may be used to prevent blood clots. These medicines increase the risk for bleeding and bruising. […] Antiplatelets, such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots. Take your antiplatelet medicine exactly as directed. These medicines make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. […] Cardiac catheterization may be used as a procedure used to close the PFO through a catheter (thin tube). This procedure is used if you had a stroke. The catheter is placed into an artery in your groin and guided up to your heart. A device is then used to close the hole. This helps prevent another stroke caused by a blood clot. […] Surgery may be used to stitch the PFO closed.
  • #20 Patent Foramen Ovale
    https://healthlibrary.vidanthealth.com/Search/134,602
    See a healthcare provider right away if you are having any symptoms of stroke. These include sudden weakness or numbness, confusion, trouble seeing out of an eye, or loss of coordination. […] A PFO means that you have a small opening between the right and left atria of the heart. This opening normally closes soon after birth. But in many people, it does not. […] PFO can sometimes result in complications. The most serious of these is stroke. […] Most people will not need treatment for a PFO. […] Some people receive treatment for a PFO, especially if they have had a stroke because of it. Treatment may include medicine, procedures, or surgery.
  • #21
    https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/heart-vascular/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale
    We understand how worried you are, especially if your infant or child is the one diagnosed with a patent foramen ovale (pronounced foh-RAY-mun oh-VAY-lee). […] Most of the time, you dont need to do anything about PFO. If you do need treatment, we often can repair the hole with a minimally invasive procedure. […] A PFO rarely creates any symptoms. Thats why you may not even know there is an issue. […] The good news is that we often dont need to close the patent foramen ovale or provide any other treatment. You can enjoy a completely normal, active and healthy life. But sometimes, your doctor may recommend PFO heart treatment. This might include: […] In this minimally invasive PFO heart treatment procedure, your doctor uses a specialized, thin tube called a catheter to close the hole with a small device. […] Your doctor will let you know if you should: Avoid activities that could limit your oxygen level, like traveling to high altitudes.
  • #22 Catheter Management of Patent Foramen Ovale | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/184
    Contraindications of percutaneous transcatheter PFO closure include but are not limited to the following: >25 mm PFO (refer for surgery), active endocarditis, active bacteremia, active fungemia, current sepsis, intracardiac mass, and intracardiac anatomy precluding safe device delivery. […] Preparation for percutaneous transcatheter PFO closure starts with an evaluation of the patient to see if the patient qualifies for catheter closure; this is evaluated first with cranial imaging followed by echocardiogram with bubble study. Additional pre-operative tests may include chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, and blood tests to assess the general health of the patient as well as kidney function. Before the procedure, all patients undergoing PFO closure should be pre-treated with antiplatelet therapy, commonly with both aspirin and Plavix daily. Warfarin therapy alone may be an option in patients who need chronic antithrombotic therapy followed by bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin before and after PFO closure. One hour before percutaneous access an intravenous antibiotic dose should be given, typically cefazolin or vancomycin, if they are allergic to penicillin. To avoid left atrial hypovolemia, patients should also receive IV normal saline before and during the procedure.
  • #23 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure at UPMC: Structural Heart Care
    https://www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/services/procedures/pfo
    A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the wall that divides the upper left and upper right chambers of your heart. […] During PFO closure, your doctor will implant a closure device that plugs your PFO using a catheter that is threaded through a vein in your groin and guided to your heart. […] You may need a PFO closure procedure if your PFO remains open. […] You may also be a candidate for PFO closure if you are at high risk of stroke or other complications in the future. […] Although PFO closure carries a low risk of complications, as with any surgery, there are some risks, including: Stroke. […] The decision to close a PFO is complex. […] Your doctor will explain the PFO closure procedure to you and answer your questions. […] On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s).
  • #24 Catheter Management of Patent Foramen Ovale | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/184
    Contraindications of percutaneous transcatheter PFO closure include but are not limited to the following: >25 mm PFO (refer for surgery), active endocarditis, active bacteremia, active fungemia, current sepsis, intracardiac mass, and intracardiac anatomy precluding safe device delivery. […] Preparation for percutaneous transcatheter PFO closure starts with an evaluation of the patient to see if the patient qualifies for catheter closure; this is evaluated first with cranial imaging followed by echocardiogram with bubble study. Additional pre-operative tests may include chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, and blood tests to assess the general health of the patient as well as kidney function. Before the procedure, all patients undergoing PFO closure should be pre-treated with antiplatelet therapy, commonly with both aspirin and Plavix daily. Warfarin therapy alone may be an option in patients who need chronic antithrombotic therapy followed by bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin before and after PFO closure. One hour before percutaneous access an intravenous antibiotic dose should be given, typically cefazolin or vancomycin, if they are allergic to penicillin. To avoid left atrial hypovolemia, patients should also receive IV normal saline before and during the procedure.
  • #25 Catheter Management of Patent Foramen Ovale | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/184
    The first step in the transcatheter PFO closure procedure is getting access. The femoral venous site is the easiest, safest, and therefore the most used to perform PFO closure. It allows insertion of the occluder vertically from the inferior right atrium to the superior left atrium. After femoral venous sheath insertion, a heparin bolus is given to achieve anticlotting properties. More heparin is used intermittently throughout the procedure to maintain anticlotting activity. Oxygenation is administered via nasal cannula oxygen to achieve hyperoxygenation. Hyperoxygenation is preemptively treats a possible event of air embolus while catheterizing the LA. Using a balloon-tipped angiographic catheter or pigtail catheter is inserted and cineangiography done to outline the left atrial (LA) anatomy. A 6-F multipurpose catheter is then advanced over a guide-wire into the superior vena cava (SVC). The catheter is then positioned posteriorly and withdrawn to the fossa ovalis.
  • #26 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | Conditions | UCSF Health
    https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the wall between the heart’s two upper chambers (atria). […] The UCSF Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic provides comprehensive, highly specialized care for people living with heart defects like PFOs. […] If PFO closure is needed, our interventional cardiologists are experts in performing a minimally invasive repair procedure, which has the benefits of less post-op pain, faster recovery and less scarring than open-heart surgery. […] A patent foramen ovale doesn’t need treatment unless it has caused a problem like a stroke or a TIA. In these cases, your doctor will recommend closing your PFO to reduce the risk of subsequent events. […] Minimally invasive PFO closures are performed by interventional cardiologists (cardiologists who specialize in catheter-based diagnoses and treatments) in our cardiac catheterization lab.
  • #27 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/pfo-closure
    A PFO closure plugs an opening between your hearts two upper chambers by putting in a permanent device. A healthcare provider can do this using a catheter (a long, thin, flexible, hollow tube) that they get to your heart through a large vein elsewhere in your body. […] The PFO closure device will stay in your heart permanently to stop the abnormal flow of blood between the two atrial (top) chambers of your heart. […] A healthcare provider may recommend a PFO closure procedure if: […] Youll need to take antibiotics one hour before certain medical procedures (like dental cleaning, dental surgeries and other surgeries) for up to six months after you receive the device. […] Healthcare providers dont consider a PFO closure a risky procedure. This is especially true when an experienced provider performs it. Still, about 7% of people with a PFO closure have complications.
  • #28 Catheter Management of Patent Foramen Ovale | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/184
    The first step in the transcatheter PFO closure procedure is getting access. The femoral venous site is the easiest, safest, and therefore the most used to perform PFO closure. It allows insertion of the occluder vertically from the inferior right atrium to the superior left atrium. After femoral venous sheath insertion, a heparin bolus is given to achieve anticlotting properties. More heparin is used intermittently throughout the procedure to maintain anticlotting activity. Oxygenation is administered via nasal cannula oxygen to achieve hyperoxygenation. Hyperoxygenation is preemptively treats a possible event of air embolus while catheterizing the LA. Using a balloon-tipped angiographic catheter or pigtail catheter is inserted and cineangiography done to outline the left atrial (LA) anatomy. A 6-F multipurpose catheter is then advanced over a guide-wire into the superior vena cava (SVC). The catheter is then positioned posteriorly and withdrawn to the fossa ovalis.
  • #29 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale
    Most PFOs don’t need any treatment. If your child needs surgery for another heart defect, the PFO may be closed at the time of the surgery. […] In rare cases, your child’s doctor may recommend closing the PFO surgically. Some studies have shown that closing a PFO may relieve migraines or reduce the risk of stroke in those who have already had a stroke, but the evidence is not conclusive. […] The procedure to close a PFO is a fairly simple. A catheter is used to guide a special closing device to the area of the PFO. The device expands, forming a patch that covers the hole. […] After the procedure, most children go home the same day or the next day. […] The doctor may prescribe aspirin for your child to take for a few months after the procedure as a precautionary measure. […] It’s unlikely that your child will need treatment for an isolated PFO. But if your child does need care, our team in the Boston Children’s Hospital Benderson Family Heart Center treats some of the most complex pediatric heart conditions in the world. […] Our clinicians will work closely with you to determine the right treatment plan for your child. We provide families with a wealth of information, resources, programs, and support — before, during, and after your child’s treatment.
  • #30 Patent foramen ovale – UF Health Jacksonville
    https://ufhealthjax.org/conditions-and-treatments/patent-foramen-ovale
    Patent foramen ovale, or PFO, is a congenital (present-at-birth) condition that affects the inter-atrial septum (tissue between the right and left upper chamber of the heart). PFO is a flap-like hole in the inter-atrial septum that can allow blood to go from the right to left chambers and could be a cause for stroke. […] In patients with PFO who have had blood clots or strokes, closure of the hole is recommended to reduce the risk of future strokes. […] PFO closure is a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure that does not typically require general anesthesia. The procedure is performed via the femoral vein in the groin thought a small puncture incision on the skin. The catheter system, a thin flexible tube, is inserted in the groin, advanced into the heart and placed in the left upper chamber through the PFO hole. A two-disc device is inserted through the catheter and used to close hole in the heart by placing one disc on each side of the hole. After the device is implanted, the catheter is removed and then the small incision in the groin will be stitched. […] Medications to prevent clot formation (blood thinners) may be an alternative for the treatment of PFO.
  • #31 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure | BIDMC of Boston
    https://www.bidmc.org/centers-and-departments/cardiovascular-institute/cardiovascular-medicine/our-services/interventional-heart-care/treatments-and-procedures/pfo-closure
    A minimally invasive procedure provides treatment for patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) who had a previous stroke. PFO closure is a minimally invasive catheter procedure in which a small device is implanted via a catheter inserted into a large vein in the groin. Once the device has reached the heart, it is positioned on each side of the septal wall, where it will permanently remain in place to stop the abnormal flow of blood between the heart’s two atrial chambers. During this procedure, ultrasound imaging is used to guide the procedure and size the device that is needed. […] The need to close the hole in the septal wall is determined after a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist and a stroke neurologist. After the procedure, patients need to lay flat for four hours.
  • #32 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure at UPMC: Structural Heart Care
    https://www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/services/procedures/pfo
    A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the wall that divides the upper left and upper right chambers of your heart. […] During PFO closure, your doctor will implant a closure device that plugs your PFO using a catheter that is threaded through a vein in your groin and guided to your heart. […] You may need a PFO closure procedure if your PFO remains open. […] You may also be a candidate for PFO closure if you are at high risk of stroke or other complications in the future. […] Although PFO closure carries a low risk of complications, as with any surgery, there are some risks, including: Stroke. […] The decision to close a PFO is complex. […] Your doctor will explain the PFO closure procedure to you and answer your questions. […] On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s).
  • #33 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure at UPMC: Structural Heart Care
    https://www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/services/procedures/pfo
    PFO closure takes between 30 minutes and two hours. […] The PFO closure procedure is relatively painless and requires no surgical incisions. […] After a PFO closure, you may be able to leave the hospital the same day or after an overnight stay. […] After a PFO closure procedure, most people have minimal restrictions on normal physical activity and are back to their normal routines within a week. […] You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including: Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at the insertion site. […] PFO closure is an effective procedure for reducing stroke risk and preventing PFO-related complications. […] PFO closure is more than 90 percent effective. […] The minimally invasive PFO closure procedure may eliminate the need for open-heart surgery in certain patients.
  • #34
    https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aco3375
    Your patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure was done to close a small hole in the area that separates the upper right and left chambers (atria) of the heart. The procedure can help prevent a stroke in some people. Your doctor used a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to place a small device that closes the PFO. […] After the procedure, you may stay the night in the hospital. Or you may go home the same day. Your groin may have a bruise and feel sore for a few days. This is where the catheter was inserted into your blood vessel. You can do light activities around your home. But don’t do anything strenuous until your doctor says it is okay. This may be at least 1 week. […] Within the coming year, you will likely have follow-up tests to check that the device has closed off the PFO. […] Your doctor can let you know when you can return to regular activities. This may be in 1 or 2 days.
  • #35 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure: What to Expect at Home | Kaiser Permanente
    https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-closure-what-to-expect-at-home.aco3375
    Your patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure was done to close a small hole in the area that separates the upper right and left chambers (atria) of the heart. The procedure can help prevent a stroke in some people. […] After the procedure, you may stay the night in the hospital. Or you may go home the same day. Your groin may have a bruise and feel sore for a few days. This is where the catheter was inserted into your blood vessel. You can do light activities around your home. But don’t do anything strenuous until your doctor says it is okay. This may be at least 1 week. […] Within the coming year, you will likely have follow-up tests to check that the device has closed off the PFO. […] Your doctor can let you know when you can return to regular activities. This may be in 1 or 2 days. […] Do not do strenuous exercise and do not lift, pull, or push anything heavy until your doctor says it is okay. This may be for at least 1 week.
  • #36 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | Conditions | UCSF Health
    https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Following the procedure, your care team will monitor you in the recovery area for approximately four to six hours. […] You’ll have a follow-up visit with the interventional cardiologist about one month after your procedure. […] To help prevent blood clots and reduce your stroke risk, you’ll need to take a daily aspirin for six months to a year and another blood-thinning medication for at least six months.
  • #37 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure: What to Expect at Home | Kaiser Permanente
    https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-closure-what-to-expect-at-home.aco3375
    For 1 or 2 days, keep a bandage over the spot where the catheter was inserted. The bandage probably will fall off in this time. […] You may shower 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. […] Do not soak the catheter site until it is healed. Don’t take a bath or swim for 1 week, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. […] Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. […] Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: Your heartbeat feels very fast, skips beats, or flutters. […] You are bleeding from the area where the catheter was put in your blood vessel. […] Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
  • #38
    https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aco3375
    Your patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure was done to close a small hole in the area that separates the upper right and left chambers (atria) of the heart. The procedure can help prevent a stroke in some people. Your doctor used a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to place a small device that closes the PFO. […] After the procedure, you may stay the night in the hospital. Or you may go home the same day. Your groin may have a bruise and feel sore for a few days. This is where the catheter was inserted into your blood vessel. You can do light activities around your home. But don’t do anything strenuous until your doctor says it is okay. This may be at least 1 week. […] Within the coming year, you will likely have follow-up tests to check that the device has closed off the PFO. […] Your doctor can let you know when you can return to regular activities. This may be in 1 or 2 days.
  • #39
    https://www.nni.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/patent-foramen-ovale
    Patent Foramen Ovale – Post-surgery care […] The patient usually stays in hospital overnight after the procedure for observation before discharging home the next day after chest X-ray and echocardiography.
  • #40
    https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aco3375
    Do not do strenuous exercise and do not lift, pull, or push anything heavy until your doctor says it is okay. This may be for at least 1 week. […] For 1 or 2 days, keep a bandage over the spot where the catheter was inserted. The bandage probably will fall off in this time. […] You may shower 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. […] Do not soak the catheter site until it is healed. Don’t take a bath or swim for 1 week, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. […] Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line if you are having problems. […] Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if: Your heartbeat feels very fast, skips beats, or flutters. […] Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems.
  • #41 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure: What to Expect at Home | Kaiser Permanente
    https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-closure-what-to-expect-at-home.aco3375
    For 1 or 2 days, keep a bandage over the spot where the catheter was inserted. The bandage probably will fall off in this time. […] You may shower 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. […] Do not soak the catheter site until it is healed. Don’t take a bath or swim for 1 week, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. […] Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. […] Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: Your heartbeat feels very fast, skips beats, or flutters. […] You are bleeding from the area where the catheter was put in your blood vessel. […] Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
  • #42 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Symptoms & Treatment | Baystate Health
    https://www.baystatehealth.org/medical-services/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-symptoms-treatment
    You should be able to resume your normal activities within two weeks after your procedure. […] Your doctor will prescribe aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) to reduce your risk for blood clots during this time. […] At this point, the heart should be healing and sealing over the PFO closure device. […] Your doctor will also prescribe antibiotics anytime you need any medical or dental procedures for up to a year after your procedure to reduce your risk for an infection at your PFO closure site.
  • #43 Non-Surgical Closure of Patient Foramen Ovale in Patients with a Stroke
    https://www.cvmedpc.com/treatment-options/invasive-interventional-cardiology/non-surgical-closure-of-patient-foramen-ovale
    Non Surgical Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale […] We treat patent foramen ovale using a minimally-invasive cardiology procedure known as a cardiac catheterization. During the procedure, doctors insert a device that will plug the hole. We use a catheter, a long, flexible tube, to guide the device to your heart. […] After Care […] You may experience a few days of mild pain and soreness in the area where the catheter was inserted. You should be able to resume most normal activities within a week of your patent foramen ovale closure. […] Risks Side Effects […] Though complications are rare with a patent foramen ovale closure, invasive cardiology procedures come with some risks. Risks can include: […] A patent foramen ovale closure is typically recommended for active, younger patients who have had a stroke with no other explanation other than PFO.
  • #44 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/pfo-closure
    Youll need a few follow-up visits over the next year to monitor your heart and the devices placement. These appointments will be one month, six months and one year after your procedure. Each visit will include a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. […] Cleveland Clinic Children’s cardiology providers are experts in diagnosing and treating the congenital heart condition, patent foramen ovale (PFO).
  • #45 Patent Foramen Ovale | Follow-up care | UK Healthcare
    https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/gill-heart-vascular-institute/conditions/structural-heart-disease/patent-foramen-ovale/follow-up-care
    After your PFO closure, you will have a follow-up visit with your structural heart program team, who will confirm that the procedure is working as it should. […] Youll return to the care of your referring cardiologist, who will continue to monitor your heart health.
  • #46 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/pfo-closure
    Youll need a few follow-up visits over the next year to monitor your heart and the devices placement. These appointments will be one month, six months and one year after your procedure. Each visit will include a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. […] Cleveland Clinic Children’s cardiology providers are experts in diagnosing and treating the congenital heart condition, patent foramen ovale (PFO).
  • #47 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | Conditions | UCSF Health
    https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Following the procedure, your care team will monitor you in the recovery area for approximately four to six hours. […] You’ll have a follow-up visit with the interventional cardiologist about one month after your procedure. […] To help prevent blood clots and reduce your stroke risk, you’ll need to take a daily aspirin for six months to a year and another blood-thinning medication for at least six months.
  • #48
    https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aco3375
    Your patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure was done to close a small hole in the area that separates the upper right and left chambers (atria) of the heart. The procedure can help prevent a stroke in some people. Your doctor used a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to place a small device that closes the PFO. […] After the procedure, you may stay the night in the hospital. Or you may go home the same day. Your groin may have a bruise and feel sore for a few days. This is where the catheter was inserted into your blood vessel. You can do light activities around your home. But don’t do anything strenuous until your doctor says it is okay. This may be at least 1 week. […] Within the coming year, you will likely have follow-up tests to check that the device has closed off the PFO. […] Your doctor can let you know when you can return to regular activities. This may be in 1 or 2 days.
  • #49 Patent Foramen Ovale Treatment | University of Utah Health
    https://healthcare.utah.edu/cardiovascular/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale
    You will stay in the clinic for monitoring and observation for about four to five hours after PFO closure. […] Most people can resume their usual activities within several days. […] The PFO closure device stays in your heart long-term. […] Very rarely, some people experience atrial fibrillation, or periods of irregular heartbeats, after PFO closure. […] Our cardiologists will monitor your heart before PFO closure to detect whether you have periods of irregular heartbeats. We may recommend blood thinning medications instead of a PFO closure if you have atrial fibrillation. […] We perform a high volume of PFO closures, translating to more experienced physicians and better results.
  • #50 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Symptoms & Treatment | Baystate Health
    https://www.baystatehealth.org/medical-services/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-symptoms-treatment
    You should be able to resume your normal activities within two weeks after your procedure. […] Your doctor will prescribe aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) to reduce your risk for blood clots during this time. […] At this point, the heart should be healing and sealing over the PFO closure device. […] Your doctor will also prescribe antibiotics anytime you need any medical or dental procedures for up to a year after your procedure to reduce your risk for an infection at your PFO closure site.
  • #51 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | Conditions | UCSF Health
    https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Following the procedure, your care team will monitor you in the recovery area for approximately four to six hours. […] You’ll have a follow-up visit with the interventional cardiologist about one month after your procedure. […] To help prevent blood clots and reduce your stroke risk, you’ll need to take a daily aspirin for six months to a year and another blood-thinning medication for at least six months.
  • #52 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Symptoms & Treatment | Baystate Health
    https://www.baystatehealth.org/medical-services/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-symptoms-treatment
    You should be able to resume your normal activities within two weeks after your procedure. […] Your doctor will prescribe aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) to reduce your risk for blood clots during this time. […] At this point, the heart should be healing and sealing over the PFO closure device. […] Your doctor will also prescribe antibiotics anytime you need any medical or dental procedures for up to a year after your procedure to reduce your risk for an infection at your PFO closure site.
  • #53 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/pfo-closure
    A PFO closure plugs an opening between your hearts two upper chambers by putting in a permanent device. A healthcare provider can do this using a catheter (a long, thin, flexible, hollow tube) that they get to your heart through a large vein elsewhere in your body. […] The PFO closure device will stay in your heart permanently to stop the abnormal flow of blood between the two atrial (top) chambers of your heart. […] A healthcare provider may recommend a PFO closure procedure if: […] Youll need to take antibiotics one hour before certain medical procedures (like dental cleaning, dental surgeries and other surgeries) for up to six months after you receive the device. […] Healthcare providers dont consider a PFO closure a risky procedure. This is especially true when an experienced provider performs it. Still, about 7% of people with a PFO closure have complications.
  • #54 Patent Foramen Ovale Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/156863-treatment
    The rate of recurrent stroke following surgical closure is 7-14% at 1-2 years. This is similar to that of percutaneous device closure of PFO. […] The most common complication of PFO device closure is new onset atrial fibrillation. PFO closure increases risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter by 3.4% in one of the meta-analysis. […] Other complications include but not limited to embolism of device, device entrapment within the Chiari network, frame fracture, vessel damage, or perforation of atrial wall require further surgery, air embolism, thrombus formation around the device, and infective endocarditis.
  • #55 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/pfo-closure
    A PFO closure plugs an opening between your hearts two upper chambers by putting in a permanent device. A healthcare provider can do this using a catheter (a long, thin, flexible, hollow tube) that they get to your heart through a large vein elsewhere in your body. […] The PFO closure device will stay in your heart permanently to stop the abnormal flow of blood between the two atrial (top) chambers of your heart. […] A healthcare provider may recommend a PFO closure procedure if: […] Youll need to take antibiotics one hour before certain medical procedures (like dental cleaning, dental surgeries and other surgeries) for up to six months after you receive the device. […] Healthcare providers dont consider a PFO closure a risky procedure. This is especially true when an experienced provider performs it. Still, about 7% of people with a PFO closure have complications.
  • #56 Patent Foramen Ovale Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/156863-treatment
    The rate of recurrent stroke following surgical closure is 7-14% at 1-2 years. This is similar to that of percutaneous device closure of PFO. […] The most common complication of PFO device closure is new onset atrial fibrillation. PFO closure increases risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter by 3.4% in one of the meta-analysis. […] Other complications include but not limited to embolism of device, device entrapment within the Chiari network, frame fracture, vessel damage, or perforation of atrial wall require further surgery, air embolism, thrombus formation around the device, and infective endocarditis.
  • #57 Patent Foramen Ovale | Conditions | UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
    https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale
    Complications during PFO closure are rare and almost all can be treated immediately. There is a small risk of blockage of the groin vessels used for catheterization, although these usually can be treated with medication. Serious complications such as stroke are extremely rare, occurring in less than one in over 400 patients. Complications occurring days after the procedure, such as breakage, movement or infection of the device, also are extremely rare, occurring in less than one percent of patients.
  • #58 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure: What to Expect at Home | Kaiser Permanente
    https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-closure-what-to-expect-at-home.aco3375
    For 1 or 2 days, keep a bandage over the spot where the catheter was inserted. The bandage probably will fall off in this time. […] You may shower 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. […] Do not soak the catheter site until it is healed. Don’t take a bath or swim for 1 week, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. […] Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. […] Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: Your heartbeat feels very fast, skips beats, or flutters. […] You are bleeding from the area where the catheter was put in your blood vessel. […] Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
  • #59 Patent Foramen Ovale
    https://healthlibrary.vidanthealth.com/Search/134,602
    See a healthcare provider right away if you are having any symptoms of stroke. These include sudden weakness or numbness, confusion, trouble seeing out of an eye, or loss of coordination. […] A PFO means that you have a small opening between the right and left atria of the heart. This opening normally closes soon after birth. But in many people, it does not. […] PFO can sometimes result in complications. The most serious of these is stroke. […] Most people will not need treatment for a PFO. […] Some people receive treatment for a PFO, especially if they have had a stroke because of it. Treatment may include medicine, procedures, or surgery.
  • #60 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | University of Iowa Health Care
    https://uihc.org/services/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Its important to choose a team of heart specialists who can correctly detect and thoroughly evaluate a PFO. […] Our team examines you and reviews your test results. They work together to determine whether you need a procedure to close your PFO. […] Your care team may include: Interventional cardiologists with specific training and experience in structural heart disease, Heart surgeons, Specialists in cardiac ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, Neurologists. […] PFOs that need repair can usually be closed with a cardiac catheterization procedure to place a device that seals off the flap. […] UI Heart and Vascular Center cardiologists were part of clinical trials to test devices for PFO closure, so theyre among the nations most experienced specialists. […] Your care team will choose the treatment that works best for you. They might recommend treating your PFO with medication to prevent blood clots from forming.
  • #61 Catheter Management of Patent Foramen Ovale | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/184
    Percutaneous transcatheter closure of PFO, for the most part, is a simple and safe procedure. However, complications do occur. Therefore, it is important to have an interprofessional approach to evaluation and determining if which if any closure procedure the patients should undergo. For patient safety, it is critical to follow guideline recommendations when selected a procedure of therapy. For best results, an interprofessional team should evaluate and treat the patient. A cardiology specialty nurse should assist with patient education and monitoring before, during, and after the procedure. A cardiology trained pharmacist should assist with evaluating the patient for potential drug-drug interactions that may complicate the procedure. The team should include a specialty-trained cardiologist as well as a cardiothoracic surgeon to assist with complications. Use of an interprofessional team will lead to the best results.
  • #62 Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
    https://www.uabmedicine.org/specialties/patent-foramen-ovale/
    A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole in the heart that develops in a fetus before birth to help with blood flow. […] Closing the PFO may be recommended if it is suspected of causing otherwise unexplained strokes, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs, or mini strokes), or embolisms (bloodstream blockages). […] This level of multi-specialty care is especially important for patients born with a PFO, because in rare cases this hole can allow blood clots to escape from the heart into the brain and cause a stroke especially among young people. […] Strokes caused by a PFO often can be prevented from happening again with a surgery to close the hole, but special expertise is needed to determine if a stroke or TIA was caused by the PFO. […] The team will work together to evaluate your case, recommend any additional tests that may be needed, and develop a personalized patient care plan for managing PFO and stroke.
  • #63 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Signs & Symptoms | Rush
    https://www.rush.edu/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an opening in the upper chambers of the heart due to a flap of tissue that failed to close normally after a baby is born. […] Treatment is not necessary in most PFO cases. […] If you need treatment, a highly trained heart expert at RUSH will likely close the PFO using a procedure called cardiac catheterization. […] RUSH University Medical Center is a Center of Excellence for PFO closure procedures, offering the most advanced treatments, including the Amplatzer PFO occluder and Gore Cardioform septal occluder devices. […] Pediatric cardiologists and interventional cardiologists at RUSH are leaders in clinical trials of new therapies for PFO and other congenital heart defects. […] If you have PFO and have had a stroke, the team at RUSH’s comprehensive Stroke-Cardiology Clinic can help prevent you from having another.
  • #64 Treatment Considerations for Patent Foramen Ovale-Associated Stroke – AACN
    https://www.aacn.org/education/ce-activities/nti24341/treatment-considerations-for-patent-foramen-ovaleassociated-stroke
    The foramen ovale serves a vital role in utero, allowing blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to bypass the babys immature lungs. While it usually closes after birth, in 25% of the adult population it has not; this is referred to as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). A PFO can cause an ischemic stroke. […] This foundational session focuses on how a PFO causes a stroke, treatment options for these patients and the nursing care for patients undergoing percutaneous closure. […] Describe the nursing care for a patient undergoing percutaneous placement of a PFO closure device.
  • #65 Catheter Management of Patent Foramen Ovale | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/184
    Percutaneous transcatheter closure of PFO, for the most part, is a simple and safe procedure. However, complications do occur. Therefore, it is important to have an interprofessional approach to evaluation and determining if which if any closure procedure the patients should undergo. For patient safety, it is critical to follow guideline recommendations when selected a procedure of therapy. For best results, an interprofessional team should evaluate and treat the patient. A cardiology specialty nurse should assist with patient education and monitoring before, during, and after the procedure. A cardiology trained pharmacist should assist with evaluating the patient for potential drug-drug interactions that may complicate the procedure. The team should include a specialty-trained cardiologist as well as a cardiothoracic surgeon to assist with complications. Use of an interprofessional team will lead to the best results.
  • #66 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17326-patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole between the upper right and left chambers (atria) of your heart. This hole may let blood flow between the atria. PFO often has no symptoms. Many people dont need treatment unless theyre at risk of stroke or blood clots. Treatments include medications and closure of the hole with a catheter or surgery. […] Most people with patent foramen ovale wont need treatment. But your provider may recommend treatment if you have a history or high risk of strokes or blood clots. Treatments for PFO include: […] Recent research suggests that PFO closure may help prevent future strokes in people with PFO whove had an unexplained stroke. Talk to your provider about which treatment may be right for you. […] You can keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of stroke by: Avoiding the use of alcohol or recreational drugs. Eating a heart-healthy diet. Keeping high blood pressure (hypertension) or high blood cholesterol under control. Maintaining a healthy weight. Quitting smoking and using tobacco products. Treating health conditions that may increase your risk of stroke, such as Afib.
  • #67 Treatment | SCAI – Seconds Count
    https://www.secondscount.org/condition/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo/treatment
    If youre diagnosed with a PFO, your doctor will explain several treatment options, including lifestyle changes, anticoagulant therapy, and PFO closure by either surgical repair or device closure. […] When youre diagnosed with a patent foramen ovale (PFO), its important to make certain heart-healthy lifestyle modifications to help reduce your chances of having a stroke, which is linked to people who have a PFO. […] Your doctor can check blood flow through your heart and arteries using a variety of tests. Depending on the results, your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend medical procedures to improve blood flow and reduce your risk of stroke. […] Because a stroke is often caused by a blood clot that passes to the brain, lowering or eliminating the risk of blood clot formation is essential. One way this is accomplished is by using medications known as anticoagulants, which are blood thinners.
  • #68 Patent foramen ovale – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patent-foramen-ovale/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353491
    Closure of a patent foramen ovale to prevent migraines isn’t currently recommended as the first treatment. Closure of a patent foramen ovale to prevent recurrent stroke is only done after care providers trained in heart and nervous system disorders have said that the procedure will help you. […] If you know you have a patent foramen ovale, but don’t have symptoms, you probably won’t have any restrictions on your activities. […] If you’ll be traveling long distances, it’s important to follow recommendations for preventing blood clots. If you’re traveling by car, take breaks and go for short walks. On an airplane, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and walk around whenever it’s safe to do so. […] After a patent foramen ovale has been diagnosed, you’ll likely have a lot of questions for your health care providers. Some questions you may want to ask include: What caused this to happen? How dangerous is this condition? What treatments are available? Which do you recommend? What are the risks of a procedure to close the patent foramen ovale? I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together? Should activity be restricted in any way? Could I have passed this condition on to my child? Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?
  • #69 Patent Foramen Ovale
    https://healthlibrary.vidanthealth.com/Search/134,602
    Choices include: Antiplatelet medicines, such as aspirin to help prevent blood clots; Anticoagulant medicines, such as warfarin to help prevent blood clots; Closure of the PFO with a catheter-based procedure. A catheter is a long, thin tube inserted through a vessel; Closure of the PFO during heart surgery. […] Stroke is the major possible complication of a PFO. People who have a PFO are slightly more likely to have a stroke than people who don’t. A PFO is more likely to be involved in a stroke of a younger adult. […] In many cases, your healthcare provider may choose not to treat your PFO directly. They may make suggestions about how to lower your overall risk for stroke. […] Your healthcare provider might also give you tips to prevent getting blood clots in your legs. For instance, don’t sit or stand in the same position for a long time.
  • #70 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale
    Most PFOs don’t need any treatment. If your child needs surgery for another heart defect, the PFO may be closed at the time of the surgery. […] In rare cases, your child’s doctor may recommend closing the PFO surgically. Some studies have shown that closing a PFO may relieve migraines or reduce the risk of stroke in those who have already had a stroke, but the evidence is not conclusive. […] The procedure to close a PFO is a fairly simple. A catheter is used to guide a special closing device to the area of the PFO. The device expands, forming a patch that covers the hole. […] After the procedure, most children go home the same day or the next day. […] The doctor may prescribe aspirin for your child to take for a few months after the procedure as a precautionary measure. […] It’s unlikely that your child will need treatment for an isolated PFO. But if your child does need care, our team in the Boston Children’s Hospital Benderson Family Heart Center treats some of the most complex pediatric heart conditions in the world. […] Our clinicians will work closely with you to determine the right treatment plan for your child. We provide families with a wealth of information, resources, programs, and support — before, during, and after your child’s treatment.
  • #71 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) – Kidshealth | Akron Children’s
    https://www.akronchildrens.org/kidshealth/en/parents/pfo.html
    The foramen ovale (feh-RAY-men oh-VAL-ee) is a normal opening between the upper two chambers (the right atrium and left atrium) of an unborn baby’s heart. The foramen ovale usually closes 6 months to a year after the baby’s birth. […] If the foramen ovale stays open after birth, it’s called a patent (PAY-tent, which means „open”) foramen ovale (PFO). […] A PFO usually causes no problems. If a newborn has congenital heart defects, the foramen ovale is more likely to stay open. […] A patent foramen ovale most often is seen on an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) being done for other reasons. […] PFOs usually aren’t treated unless there’s another reason for heart surgery or someone’s risk for blood clots or stroke is higher than average. […] PFOs aren’t likely to cause trouble and need no special treatment for most people. But kids and adults should know that they have one if it is diagnosed.
  • #72 Patent foramen ovale (PFO) – Resource Library – Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
    https://library.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo/
    This resource is information for parents and carers about patent foreamen ovale. […] PFO does not cause any symptoms. […] In most cases of PFO, no treatment is needed. […] The outlook for a PFO is excellent. Most people will never even realise they have a PFO. […] The only thing your child will not be able to do if they have a PFO is go scuba diving. There is an increased risk of suffering from the bends if you have a PFO.
  • #73 PFO in a newborn and older children | Norton Children’s Louisville, Ky.
    https://nortonchildrens.com/services/cardiology/conditions/congenital-heart-disease/patent-foramen-ovale/
    A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an opening between the upper two chambers of the heart that doesn’t close as it should, usually six to 12 months after birth. […] A PFO usually causes no problems. If a newborn has congenital heart defects, the foramen ovale is more likely to stay open, which can be helpful to the baby’s condition. […] Most babies who have a PFO don’t show symptoms and many active adults have a PFO and don’t even know it. […] PFOs aren’t likely to cause health issues later in life, and most people with a PFO need no special treatment. But kids and adults should know that they have one if it is diagnosed. […] PFOs may be treated if there’s another reason for heart surgery, or a person’s risk for blood clots or stroke is higher than average. A PFO may increase the risk of strokes because the lungs usually filter out tiny clots in the bloodstream. When a person has a PFO, clots can slip from the right atrium to the left atrium and make their way to the brain. Even in a person who has had a stroke, treatment usually focuses on preventing clots rather than closing the PFO. […] PFOs are found in one of every four adults and are more likely in newborns who have a congenital heart defect.
  • #74 Patent Foramen Ovale Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/156863-treatment
    Many guidelines related to patent foramen ovale (PFO) are available, including the following: […] Most patients with a patent foramen ovale as an isolated finding receive no particular treatment. However, closure may prevent paradoxical embolism and reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. […] In patients who are 60 years of age with cryptogenic embolic stroke and PFO (no other source of stroke) with right to left shunt, percutaneous PFO closure in addition to antiplatelet therapy is recommended. […] In patients who are 60 years of age with cryptogenic embolic stroke and PFO (no other source of stroke) who require cardiac surgery (eg, valve surgery) or are not amenable to percutaneous closure for technical reasons, then surgical closure of PFO is recommended. […] In patients who are 60 years of age with cryptogenic embolic stroke and PFO, antiplatelet therapy is recommended, except selected patients with acute deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or other venous thromboembolism, who are treated with anticoagulation for several months or indefinitely.
  • #75 Patent Foramen Ovale Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/156863-treatment
    If a patient experiences recurrent cryptogenic embolic stroke while on antiplatelet therapy and PFO was not closed, suggest PFO closure. […] Isolated patent foramen ovale (PFO) with no associated symptoms requires no treatment or follow-up. […] Antiplatelet therapy rather anticoagulation therapy is recommended for patients with PFO that is not closed with device in presence of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Antiplatelet therapy also is recommended for patients with PFO that is closed with device in presence of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. […] Anticoagulation therapy is recommended for patients with PFO who are at high risk for venous thromboembolism and/or presence of acute deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. […] For patients aged 60 years or younger with PFO with cryptogenic embolic stroke who need cardiac surgery (ie, valve surgery or PFO that is not amenable to device closure for technical reasons), surgical closure via standard or minimally invasive (robotic) is a reasonable approach.
  • #76 Patent Foramen Ovale Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/156863-treatment
    Many guidelines related to patent foramen ovale (PFO) are available, including the following: […] Most patients with a patent foramen ovale as an isolated finding receive no particular treatment. However, closure may prevent paradoxical embolism and reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. […] In patients who are 60 years of age with cryptogenic embolic stroke and PFO (no other source of stroke) with right to left shunt, percutaneous PFO closure in addition to antiplatelet therapy is recommended. […] In patients who are 60 years of age with cryptogenic embolic stroke and PFO (no other source of stroke) who require cardiac surgery (eg, valve surgery) or are not amenable to percutaneous closure for technical reasons, then surgical closure of PFO is recommended. […] In patients who are 60 years of age with cryptogenic embolic stroke and PFO, antiplatelet therapy is recommended, except selected patients with acute deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or other venous thromboembolism, who are treated with anticoagulation for several months or indefinitely.
  • #77 Patent Foramen Ovale Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/156863-treatment
    If a patient experiences recurrent cryptogenic embolic stroke while on antiplatelet therapy and PFO was not closed, suggest PFO closure. […] Isolated patent foramen ovale (PFO) with no associated symptoms requires no treatment or follow-up. […] Antiplatelet therapy rather anticoagulation therapy is recommended for patients with PFO that is not closed with device in presence of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Antiplatelet therapy also is recommended for patients with PFO that is closed with device in presence of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. […] Anticoagulation therapy is recommended for patients with PFO who are at high risk for venous thromboembolism and/or presence of acute deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. […] For patients aged 60 years or younger with PFO with cryptogenic embolic stroke who need cardiac surgery (ie, valve surgery or PFO that is not amenable to device closure for technical reasons), surgical closure via standard or minimally invasive (robotic) is a reasonable approach.
  • #78 Patent foramen ovale – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patent-foramen-ovale/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353491
    Closure of a patent foramen ovale to prevent migraines isn’t currently recommended as the first treatment. Closure of a patent foramen ovale to prevent recurrent stroke is only done after care providers trained in heart and nervous system disorders have said that the procedure will help you. […] If you know you have a patent foramen ovale, but don’t have symptoms, you probably won’t have any restrictions on your activities. […] If you’ll be traveling long distances, it’s important to follow recommendations for preventing blood clots. If you’re traveling by car, take breaks and go for short walks. On an airplane, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and walk around whenever it’s safe to do so. […] After a patent foramen ovale has been diagnosed, you’ll likely have a lot of questions for your health care providers. Some questions you may want to ask include: What caused this to happen? How dangerous is this condition? What treatments are available? Which do you recommend? What are the risks of a procedure to close the patent foramen ovale? I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together? Should activity be restricted in any way? Could I have passed this condition on to my child? Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?
  • #79 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/patent-foramen-ovale
    Most PFOs don’t need any treatment. If your child needs surgery for another heart defect, the PFO may be closed at the time of the surgery. […] In rare cases, your child’s doctor may recommend closing the PFO surgically. Some studies have shown that closing a PFO may relieve migraines or reduce the risk of stroke in those who have already had a stroke, but the evidence is not conclusive. […] The procedure to close a PFO is a fairly simple. A catheter is used to guide a special closing device to the area of the PFO. The device expands, forming a patch that covers the hole. […] After the procedure, most children go home the same day or the next day. […] The doctor may prescribe aspirin for your child to take for a few months after the procedure as a precautionary measure. […] It’s unlikely that your child will need treatment for an isolated PFO. But if your child does need care, our team in the Boston Children’s Hospital Benderson Family Heart Center treats some of the most complex pediatric heart conditions in the world. […] Our clinicians will work closely with you to determine the right treatment plan for your child. We provide families with a wealth of information, resources, programs, and support — before, during, and after your child’s treatment.
  • #80 Patent Foramen Ovale
    https://med.uth.edu/heartandvascular/patent-foramen-ovale/
    Patent foramen ovale may not require treatment, especially if it is small and not causing any symptoms. […] If a PFO is associated with a history of stroke or TIA, recurrent migraines with aura, or decompression illness in scuba divers, treatment options may include: […] If you have a known history of stroke, TIA, or recurrent migraines with aura, or if you are a scuba diver with a history of decompression illness, it is essential to consult a physician for evaluation and appropriate management. […] A cardiologist can assess the risk factors and discuss the potential benefits and risks of PFO closure or other treatment options. […] If you experience any symptoms of a stroke or neurological disturbances, seek immediate medical attention, as these may be signs of a paradoxical embolism related to the PFO.
  • #81 Catheter Management of Patent Foramen Ovale | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/184
    Percutaneous transcatheter closure of PFO, for the most part, is a simple and safe procedure. However, complications do occur. Therefore, it is important to have an interprofessional approach to evaluation and determining if which if any closure procedure the patients should undergo. For patient safety, it is critical to follow guideline recommendations when selected a procedure of therapy. For best results, an interprofessional team should evaluate and treat the patient. A cardiology specialty nurse should assist with patient education and monitoring before, during, and after the procedure. A cardiology trained pharmacist should assist with evaluating the patient for potential drug-drug interactions that may complicate the procedure. The team should include a specialty-trained cardiologist as well as a cardiothoracic surgeon to assist with complications. Use of an interprofessional team will lead to the best results.
  • #82 Treatment Considerations for Patent Foramen Ovale-Associated Stroke – AACN
    https://www.aacn.org/education/ce-activities/nti24341/treatment-considerations-for-patent-foramen-ovaleassociated-stroke
    The foramen ovale serves a vital role in utero, allowing blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to bypass the babys immature lungs. While it usually closes after birth, in 25% of the adult population it has not; this is referred to as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). A PFO can cause an ischemic stroke. […] This foundational session focuses on how a PFO causes a stroke, treatment options for these patients and the nursing care for patients undergoing percutaneous closure. […] Describe the nursing care for a patient undergoing percutaneous placement of a PFO closure device.
  • #83 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
    https://cm.erlanger.org/medical-services/heart/heart-conditions/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
    Some people are born with a small opening in the heart, connecting the right and left side. This opening typically doesnt cause complications, unless a blood clot forms in the leg, as with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If this clot travels up to the heart via the blood stream, it can cross the PFO opening and go to the brain, causing a stroke. This type of stroke is more common with young people. […] If you have a PFO but do not have symptoms or any related problems, you may not need treatment. If treatment is needed, you may need to take blood-thinning medication or have the PFO closed through a minimally invasive procedure. Our Structural Heart team does this procedure through a small tube (catheter) in the leg and inserts a small device to close the PFO opening. The procedure is performed with light sedation and generally does not require an overnight stay. […] Our team will work with you to understand the benefits and risks of the various PFO treatment options, and partner in the decision process based on your needs, values, and preferences.
  • #84 Patent Foramen Ovale Closure – Baptist Health
    https://www.baptisthealth.com/care-services/conditions-treatments/patent-foramen-ovale-closure
    Patent foramen ovale treatment depends upon the anatomy of the intra-atrial septum and size of the defect. […] Regular follow-up with your physician is an important part of your care. […] Minimally invasive techniques and procedures can be used to close a patent foramen ovale if deemed appropriate. […] A catheter is inserted into the leg vein and then used to cross the PFO. […] Recovery depends upon how your body heals and the type of surgery. […] After open surgery, you will be in the hospital for up to 10 days and it may be three to six months before you feel able to fully resume normal activities. […] After minimally invasive patent foremen ovale closure, you will be in the hospital for a day and it may be a week before full recovery. […] If a patent foramen ovale is left untreated there can be a risk of recurrent stroke if not addressed by other methods such as anticoagulation.
  • #85 Atrial Septal Defects | Treatments | MedStar Health
    https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/patent-foramen-ovale-atrial-septal-defects-treatments
    Patent foramen ovale is a congenital heart condition in which the naturally occurring opening between the hearts upper chambers does not close after birth. […] Treatment for ASD and PFO will vary based on your symptoms and the severity of the condition. […] Your doctor may recommend treatment for symptoms or if you’re at risk for developing complications such as arrhythmia, heart failure, or stroke.
  • #86 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) | Heart & Vascular | Loyola Medicine
    https://www.loyolamedicine.org/services/heart-and-vascular/heart-vascular-conditions/pediatric-congenital-heart-disease/pfo
    Most people with a PFO do not need treatment. However, in some cases, your physician may recommend that you undergo a surgical procedure to close the hole. Closure procedures include: […] Medications such as blood thinners may be prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with PFO.