June 18, 2026
View Full PaperPatent Foramen Ovale: Current Pathology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Status
Key Points
- Evaluate the clinical significance and treatment options for patent foramen ovale (PFO).
- Conducted a review of PFO anatomy, pathology, and clinical impact.
- Examined current and emerging percutaneous therapies for PFO closure.
- Identified links between PFO and serious conditions like stroke and myocardial infarction.
- Highlighted advancements in technologies for PFO closure.
Abstract
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is experiencing increased clinical interest as a congenital cardiac lesion persisting into adulthood. It is implicated in several serious clinical syndromes, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and systemic embolism. The PFO is now amenable to percutaneous interventional therapies, and multiple novel technologies are either available or under development for lesion closure. The PFO should be better understood to take advantage of emerging percutaneous treatment options. This paper reviews PFO anatomy, pathology, pathophysiology, and clinical impact and discusses current therapeutic options.