What is percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale?
Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a medical procedure in which a small device, such as a disc or a mesh, is inserted through a catheter into the heart to close a hole between the right and left atria. This hole, known as a PFO, can increase the risk of stroke in some people. The procedure is minimally invasive and designed to reduce the risk of stroke in people with a PFO. The procedure is also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as migraines and decompression sickness. 