PFO closure: End of an era or beginning of a new chapter?

Key Points

• 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.

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