At our office, we often treat patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) — a small opening between the heart’s upper chambers that is present at birth. This opening often causes no issues; however, for some, a PFO can contribute to serious health concerns.
In this article, I will be sharing insights about PFO closure, a procedure that can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for those born with this congenital heart defect.
What is Patent Foramen Ovale?
The foramen ovale is an opening in the wall of your heart that allows blood to flow through the atria during pregnancy. For most, the opening closes at birth; but for some, it remains open leading to patent foramen ovale.
While many individuals with a PFO can live a healthy life without complications, some may be at risk for paradoxical embolism (PE). A PE occurs when a blood clot travels from the right side of the heart to the left, potentially causing a stroke. People living with PFO can also experience debilitating and painful migraines.
Benefits of PFO Closure
For people living with patent foramen ovale, there are several benefits to the closure procedure. The main benefit is the significant reduction in the risk of stroke, especially for those patients with a history of strokes. The surgery involved is also catheter-based, causing less trauma to the body compared to open-heart surgery. This minimally invasive approach also leads to a quick recovery. And, after surgery, many patients report fewer migraines and an overall improvement in well-being.
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Who Should Consider PFO Closure?
I typically recommend a PFO closure for patients who have experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) with no clear cause, who suffer from recurrent migraines that may be linked to the PFO and who are at risk for future strokes due to the presence of a PFO.
PFO Procedure Process
Step 1: Pre-Procedure Evaluation – Prior to the procedure, I will conduct echocardiograms and other imaging tests to visualize the PFO and assess your overall heart health.
Step 2: Procedure Day – The closure is performed in a hospital setting and takes about an hour. You will receive sedation to ensure comfort.
Step 3: Device Deployment – Using a catheter inserted through a vein in your leg, I will guide a specialized device to the heart. Once in place, the device is deployed to seal the PFO, preventing any future passage of blood clots.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the procedure, we will monitor you for a short period. Once you’ve come out of sedation, I will provide instructions for your recovery and follow-up care before sending you home, often on the day of the procedure. Most patients will experience minimal discomfort for several days after but many report a significant reduction of symptoms, including a drop in migraine frequency, pretty quickly after surgery. You should also expect regular follow-up appointments to monitor your heart health and to ensure the device is functioning properly.
If you are experiencing complications due to PFO, schedule a consultation with me or one of our other extremely talented physicians by calling 251-433-4700.
ABOUT DR. BAYER
Dr. Danielle Bayer is a highly trained cardiologist with a passion for providing exceptional care to her patients. She completed her medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia at Regents University, going on to complete her internship and residency in the Tinsley Harrison Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Dr. Bayer completed fellowships in both Interventional and Structural Cardiology and Cardiovascular Disease at UAB. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, and Echocardiography. A member of several prestigious organizations, including the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, Dr. Bayer is committed to advancing the field of cardiology while delivering personalized care to her patients.
