Patent Foramina In Wake
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After adjustment for other stroke risk factors, PFO remained strongly associated with cryptogenic stroke in both the younger (odds ratio 3.70, 95% confidence interval 1.42 to 9.65; p=0.008) and the older group (odds ratio 3.00, 95% confidence interval 1.73 to 5.23; p<0.001)24.
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.
PFO can occasionally result in complications. The most serious of these is stroke. Most people will not need treatment for a PFO. Some people receive treatment for PFO, especially if they have had a stroke due to a PFO.
PFO itself usually does not cause any symptoms. PFO can occasionally result in complications. The most serious of these is stroke. Most people will not need treatment for a PFO.
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.
It is estimated that 25% - 30% of ischemic strokes are of unknown cause. One possible factor that may have contributed to a stroke of unknown cause is the presence of a patent foramen ovale.
Unless there are other defects, there are no complications from a PFO in most cases. Some people may have a condition shortness of breath and low arterial blood oxygen levels when sitting or standing. This is called platypnea-orthodeoxia. This is rare.
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.
Procedures to close a patent foramen ovale include: Device closure. In this procedure, the provider inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin area. The catheter tip has a device to plug the PFO . Surgical closure. In this heart surgery, the surgeon uses stitches to close the PFO .
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.
