Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale with a novel FlatStent.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital, small tunnel-like connection between the right and left atria that usually closes spontaneously after birth. However, frequently (in up to 35% of the normal population) it persists into adulthood. It is associated with 'paradoxical' embolism from the venous to the arterial system and may result in stroke or peripheral embolism. One prophylactic treatment option is transcatheter closure of the PFO. Currently available closure devices extend into both atria and therefore occasionally cause complications, such as thrombus formation or erosion of adjacent structures. The Coherex FlatStent is a flat, self-expanding stent that is designed to be positioned within the PFO tunnel. It is a very small, low-mass device that minimizes the amount of implanted foreign material to reduce the risk of device-related complications. This article focuses on the anatomy of PFOs and compares the Coherex FlatStent with currently available and experimental PFO closure devices.
Reiffenstein
Isabel
I
CardioVascular Center Frankfurt, Sankt Katharinen, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65, Frankfurt, Germany. isabel.reiffenstein@gmx.de
Majunke
Nicolas
N
Wunderlich
Nina
N
Carter
Phillip
P
Jones
Randall
R
Sievert
Horst
H
D000818:Animals; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D015607:Stents; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome