Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small, flap-like opening between the right and left upper chambers of the heart (right and left atriums). This usually closes within the first or second year of life, but in about one of four people, this persists throughout life. This can allow blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium and vice versa. This may increase the risk for stroke or migraines. 

Symptoms

Most patients do not have any symptoms, but migraine headaches are more common if you have a PFO.

Treatments

- Medications such as aspirin and blood thinners
- Surgical repair
- Device closure - A special device is attached to a catheter that is inserted into a vein in the leg and advanced into the heart. The device is then slowly deployed allowing each side of the device to open up and cover each side of the hole like a sandwich. When in place, it is released from the catheter. Over time the heart tissue grows over the device, which becomes part of the heart.