Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the persistence of an in utero opening that is necessary for fetal circulation. The incidence of PFO is reported to be 27% in autopsy studies. Small thrombi that cannot be detected under normal circumstances can bypass the pulmonary filter and enter arterial circulation through PFO. Transcatheter closure of PFO is possible and echocardiography is an essential tool in both diagnosis and closure of PFO. Based on the image quality transthoracic or transoesophageal echocardiography is used during the procedure. In patients that have transeptal puncture might be needed.