Conditions & Services / PFO Closure

A PFO is a hole in between the top chambers of the heart (atria). This in itself is not pathological as one in four adults have it.  However, the presence of a PFO  with a  cryptogenic stroke (no clear cause identified) may be an indication for closure. A surgical closure of the PFO is done for patients < 60 yr with unclear cause for stroke despite extensive workup to reduce recurrence of another stroke. In the procedure your doctor will guide the placement of a patent foramen ovale closure device - which becomes a permanent implant - that will close the hole (prevent the flaps from opening) in the heart wall.