title: Echocardiographic evaluation of patent foramen ovale prior to device closure.
abstract: High-quality imaging of the atrial septum has never been so relevant to the adult cardiologist. This article focuses on the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of patent foramen ovale for closure. It provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to transesophageal echocardiographic study in such a patient. The salient information required for planning the device and equipment needed for the closure procedure are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Papworth Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Bushra S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Rana
authors.forename: Martyn R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Patrick A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Calvert
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Monaghan
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hildick-Smith
mesh_terms: D054087:Atrial Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D055989:Septal Occluder Device