Key result
Funnel-type PFO linked to prior clinical events when right atrial opening area exceeds ~16 mm².
Why the study?
Does funnel-type PFO morphology on 3D-TEE correlate with prior clinical events?
Does funnel-type PFO morphology on 3D-TEE correlate with prior clinical events?
Funnel-type PFO morphology with a wide RA opening area (>15.85 mm²) on 3D-TEE is a novel high-risk anatomic feature that may help refine patient stratification for PFO management.
May refine PFO closure stratification via 3D-TEE; extends anatomic risk factors and remains hypothesis-generating pending prospective trials.
Prior events are highly correlated with funnel-type PFO, particularly when RA opening area exceeds 15.85 mm². This geometry may act as an embolic "catchment" and favour in-situ thrombosis due to disturbed flow from the wide RA inlet to the narrow tunnel exit. Integration of 3D-TEE morphology with systemic risk factors such as smoking and dyslipidemia may refine patient stratification and guide management.
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Totaro et al. (2026) studied this question. Funnel-type patent foramen ovale morphology is highly correlated with prior clinical events, particularly when the right atrial opening area exceeds 15.85 mm².
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