Complications and mid-term outcome after percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure in patients with cryptogenic stroke

Background. Percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure seems to reduce the risk of recurrent thromboembolism. We report the safety and efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure in our centre. Methods: All patients, > 16 years of age, who underwent a percutaneous PFO closure in our centre were included. Reoccurrence of stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and peripheral thromboembolism were assessed. Periprocedural and mid-term complications arc reported. Results. Eighty-three consecutive patients (mean age 49 13 years) were included. Indications for PFO closure were ctyptogenic stroke (59.0%), TIA (33.7%), peripheral embolism (2.4%) and other (4.8%). For PFO closure, a Cardioseal/Starflex device was used in 63 patients and an Amplatzer PFO occluder device in 20 patients. Stroke recurred in 1.2%, TIA in 3.6%, peripheral embolism in 0% during a mean follow-up of 1.9 +/- 1.2 years. Major periprocedural complications occurred in 1.2%. The mid-term complication rate was 2.4% and only consisted of minor complications. During followup, a residual right-to-left shunt was present in 5.7% of the patients. No significant difference in outcome, complications or residual shunting could be documented between the two device types. Conclusion: In our centre, the percutaneous closure of a PFO seems to be a safe and effective procedure to prevent recurrence of paradoxical thromboembolic events. (Neth Heart J 2008; 16:332-6.)