Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a failure of the atrial septa to fuse postpartum, potentially leading to right-to-left shunting, which may increase the risk of cerebrovascular events. The authors of this Review outline the embryology and anatomy of PFO, and discuss the indications for PFO closure on the basis of available data from clinical trials and other studies. Devices for PFO closure, as well as the procedure itself, are also reviewed.
- Patrick A. Calvert
- Bushra S. Rana
- Leonard M. Shapiro