What is a PFO closure procedure?
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a vital flap in the heart that helps blood flow through your lungs while in the womb. Typically, the flap seals itself shortly after birth. A PFO differs from congenital heart defects, like an atrial septal defect which has a genuine hole.
An unclosed PFO doesn’t always mean you’ll develop health problems. Generally, the only time a PFO might be problematic is if you have already had a stroke or other health complications.
In a PFO closure procedure, the cardiologist fits a permanent closure device between your heart’s two upper chambers to plug the opening.
Who might need PFO closure treatment?
Your doctor is most likely to recommend a PFO closure procedure to diagnose it and point you to the proper treatment.
Potential signs you may need a PFO closure include:
You’ve had more than one stroke or unexplained strokes
Low oxygen levels in your blood
You experience migraines
You have decompression illness (caused by sudden changes in air or water pressure)
A blood clot travelled through the PFO
Your doctor believes you are at risk of a blood clot
Your doctor doesn’t want you to take anticoagulants (blood thinners) long-term
Preparing for a PFO closure
To be fully prepared for your appointment, tell us which medications you take and any other conditions you may have. Do not stop taking your usual medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
You may have to fast for specific hours, which a team member will confirm before your appointment.
What happens during PFO closure?
Before we perform a PFO closure, we must assess you just before your PFO closure starts.
A cardiologist will put a small probe called a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) down your throat. It will remain in place until the procedure is complete. The probe shows moving images of your heart that tell the cardiologist whether they can close the PFO.
Once we establish that we can repair the flap, the cardiologist will insert a catheter (thin, flexible tube) into a vein in your groin and up to your heart. A small balloon inside the catheter measures the flap opening’s exact size so we can choose the best device to close it.
The cardiologist will place the closure device inside the catheter and guide it into position with the TOE’s help. When the device is in place, the surgeon will open it to reveal two umbrella-shaped discs on either side that plug the opening of the flap – effectively sealing it up.
After PFO closure treatment
Immediately after the cardiologist has completed the closure, you will rest for a few hours before returning home. We may give you anticoagulants for several months afterwards.
PFO closure benefits
Undergoing PFO closure treatment has many potential benefits. Primarily, it can save your life if your PFO is causing strokes because it prevents the blood supply to your brain from being cut off.
Other benefits include:
Reduces the risk of blood clots passing through the PFO and moving to your brain
Eliminates the possible serious side effects of long-term anticoagulant use
No scar due to using minimally invasive techniques
You can’t feel the device used to close the opening
It’s a low-risk procedure with minimal side effects
Our patients’ PFO closure experiences
Learn more about patients’ experiences of having a PFO closure on the Different Strokes website, and watch one of our consultants, Dr Iqbal Malik, performing a PFO closure on YouTube.
Why choose OneWelbeck for your PFO closure procedure?
We have a committed, highly experienced team of cardiologists and consultants who will be by your side from the moment you get in touch. We provide ongoing support that doesn’t end when you return home. We’re here to help you protect your cardiovascular health and ensure you have long-term care.
We understand that prioritising your health can be challenging, so we make booking an appointment easy. When you enquire, you can tell us what date and time works for you and we’ll do our utmost to accommodate it.
Are there any risks with a PFO closure?
PFO closure is a safe procedure. However, like any medical procedure, complications can occur.
In PFO closures, complications happen in around 1% of people and may include:
Bleeding, bruising or vein injury in the groin where the surgeon inserted the catheter
Heart palpitations (these usually settle within the first few weeks of the procedure)
Very rarely, complications may include:
Internal bleeding during the procedure, which very infrequently might need emergency surgery
Stroke caused by a blood clot passing through the heart (rare)
At OneWelbeck, our dedicated team will happily answer your questions about the procedure and ensure you receive all the information you need before your appointment.
Treatment Costs
Self-pay pricing:
Starts from £12,700 (includes hospital fee, anaesthesia and device).
