What are the safety outcomes of percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale?
The safety outcomes of percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale have been investigated in a study by Merkler et al. (2017). According to their findings, the procedure was generally safe and effective in reducing stroke recurrence in patients with otherwise unexplained ischemic stroke. These results were supported by a meta-analysis of randomized trials and the CLOSE study, which found that closure of patent foramen ovale was associated with reduced risk of stroke recurrence compared to anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Overall, percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale appears to be a safe and effective treatment for stroke recurrence in patients with otherwise unexplained ischemic stroke.  