A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the heart that connects two chambers, the right atrium and the left atrium. Sometimes this connection does not cause any problems, but a large PFO could move blood in the wrong direction, leading to an enlarged and failing heart. A non-surgical procedure can close the hole in the wall of the atrial septum.
Currently there are no FDA-approved devices for PFO closure. However, devices used to close PFOs are currently approved to treat other conditions such as Atrial Septal Defects (ASDs).
Risks for PFO closure are very small, but include:
UR Medicine excels at nonsurgical ASD and PFO closure and is the only center in the region currently able to provide this treatment. We report the highest volumes in upstate New York and, our team routinely participates in clinical research, so we’re able to offer patients access to a range of clinical trials. For instance, our physicians are currently involved in PFO closure studies for stroke and migraine.
For details on PFO repair at UR Medicine, contact us at (585) 275-6161.