Is cryptogenic stroke a tenable diagnosis? The Milpark Hospital patent foramen ovale closure experience

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is increasingly being documented in patients presenting with "cryptogenic" neurological and peripheral ischemic events. Therapeutic options include the use of anti-platelet agents and in some cases non-surgical closure of the defect. In this article we present th...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inSA heart journal Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 96 - 100
Main Authors Rapeport, Naomi, Patel, Nalin, Schamroth, Colin
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published The South African Heart Association 01.01.2008
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is increasingly being documented in patients presenting with "cryptogenic" neurological and peripheral ischemic events. Therapeutic options include the use of anti-platelet agents and in some cases non-surgical closure of the defect. In this article we present the Milpark Hospital experience of percutaneous closure of PFO to date. The importance of looking for this defect is highlighted, particularly in patients presenting with recurrent events despite antiplatelet therapy. Whilst routine closure of PFO is not advocated, it should be considered in certain select cases.
ISSN:1996-6741
2071-4602