Surgical Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients

• DOI: 10.1161/01.str.28.12.2376
• Publication Date: 2011-06-17T20:08:03Z
• Authors: Shunichi Homma; Marco R. Di Tullio; Ralph L. Sacco; Craig Smith; J. P. Mohr
• Keywords: Stroke; Etiology

Background and Purpose Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with stroke of unknown etiology or cryptogenic stroke. However, optimal treatment to prevent recurrence in patients PFO not clearly defined. Since represents a surgically repairable lesion, interest closing it high. This report reviews our experience who underwent surgical closure were followed for neurological events. Methods We 28 (17 men, 11 women; mean age, 41±13 years) transesophageal echocardiograpy–defined had undergone by open thoracatomy. All selected surgery refused, could take, failed warfarin therapy. They physician visits telephone interviews. Results There no complications. With follow-up 19 months, four experienced event recurrence, one stroke, three transient ischemic attacks. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the actuarial rate was 19.5% (95% confidence limit 2.2-36.8%) at 13 months follow-up. None 17 (0%) younger than 45 years suffered whereas (35%) aged older ( P <.02). Using proportional hazards regression model, increase relative risk increasing age 2.76 per 10 interval 1.07 7.16). Conclusions Although easily its does consistently The appears occur more frequently patients.