What is percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO)?
Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a procedure used to close a hole in the heart that is present in about 25-30% of the population. The hole, known as a patent foramen ovale, is an opening between the right and left atria (the two chambers of the heart) that did not close properly after birth. PFO closure is a minimally invasive procedure that is used for the treatment of cryptogenic embolism, a type of stroke caused by an unknown source. It is typically done using a device that is inserted through a catheter in the femoral vein and advanced to the heart to close off the PFO. 