title: PFO closure: End of an era or beginning of a new chapter?
abstract: This large long-term retrospective cohort study shows that percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is safe. Higher rates of recurrent stroke or TIA were noted in older patients (age>55) and those with diabetes and hypertension Randomized trials have failed to show significant benefit from PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke though pooled analyses and longer-term follow-up have revealed significant reduction in recurrent strokes. Future studies and longer-term follow-up will need to elucidate which subgroups of patients will benefit from closure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
authors.forename: Mahmoud I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Traina
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
authors.forename: E Murat
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Tuzcu
mesh_terms: D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055989:Septal Occluder Device; D020521:Stroke; D016896:Treatment Outcome