How is patent foramen ovale treated? 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. Closure of the PFO during heart surgery.
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 don't suffer PFO symptoms or health issues. Heart specialists don't often need to diagnose or treat PFO in healthy patients.
In a medical context, the term "patent" refers to something being open or unblocked. When used in reference to the spinal canal and foramina, it means that these passages in the spine are clear and not obstructed, allowing for normal flow and movement of fluids and nerves.
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the heart that didn't close the way it should after birth. The hole is a small flaplike opening between the upper heart chambers. The upper chambers of the heart are called the atria.
Definition. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. This hole exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after being born. PFO is what the hole is called when it fails to close naturally after a baby is born.
2) The foramen magnum is the opening in the bottom of the skull through which the spinal cord exits. "Widely patent" means that is is of normal size. 3) This term means there is a bit of extra bone growth around the openings in the spinal column through which the nerve roots from the spinal cord emerge.
Are You a Candidate for PFO Closure? You may be a candidate for minimally invasive PFO closure if you: Have been diagnosed with a PFO and have had a stroke due to an unknown cause (one not attributed to a condition such as atrial fibrillation or carotid artery disease)
The cause of a PFO is unknown. There are no known risk factors. It can be found along with other heart abnormalities such as atrial septal aneurysms or Chiari network.
Patent foramen ovale occurs in about 1 in 4 people. Most people with the condition never know they have it. A patent foramen ovale is often discovered during tests for other health problems.