Patent Foramen Ovale

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is, in most cases, a benign anatomical variation connecting the right and left atria of the heart. In select cases, however, a PFO may play a role in an embolic stroke. Recent evidence has demonstrated that in carefully selected patients, PFO closure can reduce the risk of future strokes. This chapter will review the anatomy of PFO and the data surrounding optimal management and future stroke prevention.