Prognosis after percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale for paradoxical embolism.
The long-term risk and risk factors for recurrent embolism after percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) were investigated in 152 consecutive patients with presumed paradoxical embolism. During follow-up, the actuarial freedom from recurrent embolism was 95.1% at 1 year, and 90.6% at 2 and 6 years. A residual shunt after percutaneous PFO closure was a predictor for recurrence (RR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 21.0; p = 0.02). Randomized trials comparing medical treatment with percutaneous PFO closure in the prevention of recurrent embolism are in progress.
Wahl
A
A
Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland.
Meier
B
B
Haxel
B
B
Nedeltchev
K
K
Arnold
M
M
Eicher
E
E
Sturzenegger
M
M
Seiler
C
C
Mattle
H P
HP
Windecker
S
S
D000328:Adult; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome