Patent foramen ovale closure in India; Feasibility, challenges and mid-term outcomes

Abstract

Patent foramen ovale closure (PFO) is an underutilized therapy, and our study explored the challenges and feasibility of PFO closure in the Indian setting.Eighty patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) were screened by transcranial Doppler (TCD) for PFO. Twenty-nine patients underwent successful closure.High-risk features of a long tunnel, inter-atrial septal aneurysm, and large defect were present in 31%, 28%, and 59%. Transcranial Doppler had a sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 53% (p = 0.02) to detect PFO. Anticoagulation was withdrawn in 85% of patients post closure. Two patients had residual shunts at follow-up of 19 (9,34) months.

Keywords

• Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
• Cryptogenic stroke
• Embolic stroke of undetermined source(ESUS)