Interventional Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) with Amplatzer PFO Occluder in Patients with Paradoxical Cerebral Embolism

Background: Percutaneous transcatheter closure has been proposed as an alternative to surgical closure or long-term anticoagulation in patients with presumed paradoxical embolism and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Methods: There were two symptomatic patients (29 and 47 years old) who underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure of PFO after at least two events of cerebral ischemia; one embolic event had occurred under anti-platelet therapy. For both patients, Amplatzer PFO occluder measuring 25 mm in diameter were used. In both cases, complete occlusion by color Doppler and transesophageal contrast echocardiography investigation was achieved after the procedure and lasted at least up to 3 months after implantation as determined by our follow up. Mean fluoroscopy time was 16.7 minutes. Results: Percutaneous transcatheter closure was technically successful in both patients (100%). No residual shunt was seen at the end of the procedure or in follow-ups. In-hospital follow-up was uneventful. At a mean follow-up of 3 months, no recurrent embolic neurological events were observed. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of PFO with Amplatzer PFO occluder devices is a safe and effective therapy for patients with previous paradoxical embolism PFO. Percutaneous closure is associated with a high success rate, low incidence of hospital complications, and freedom of cerebral ischemic events.