Long-term results after fluoroscopy-guided closure of patent foramen ovale for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism

Association between patent foramen ovale morphology and clinical outcomes following transcatheter closure

BACKGROUND

Anatomic variations of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) are commonly observed, yet limited research has investigated their impact on clinical outcomes following transcatheter closure. We aimed to explore the association between PFO morphology and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke who underwent PFO closure were prospectively enrolled at a single center from September 2019 to April 2023. Patients were categorized into simple and complex groups based on PFO morphology. Composite events were compared between the two groups during a median follow-up of 24 months, including all-cause mortality, recurrent stroke, residual moderate or severe shunt, and symptomatic atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

A total of 247 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 41.9 ± 13.0 years and 45.3% males. Ninety-one (36.8%) patients had complex PFO. These individuals were older (45.4 ± 12.5 years vs. 39.9 ± 12.9 years; P = 0.001), more males (56.0% vs. 39.1%; P = 0.010), had longer procedure times (54 ± 32 min vs 46 ± 29 min; P = 0.044), and had a higher rate of using delivery sheath-assisted crossing of the PFO (22.0% vs 12.8%; P = 0.040) than those with simple PFO. The estimated event rates were 27.9% and 11.3% (P = 0.006) in the complex and simple PFO groups, respectively (12.9 events and 5.2 events per 100 person-years; P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, device type, and left atrial diameters, complex PFO remained independently associated with composite events (HR 2.10, 95%CI 1.06-4.17, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with complex PFO may suffer from a higher risk of adverse events following transcatheter PFO closure.

A new dimension in patent foramen ovale size estimation

BACKGROUND

Detailed multidimensional assessment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) size with transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) may help to determine PFO pathogenicity in cryptogenic stroke patients. We explored the potential additive value of Live xPlane and three-dimensional (3D) TOE anatomical PFO sizing techniques.

METHODS

Imaging data of 45 patients who underwent a 3D TOE-assisted percutaneous PFO closure were studied. The two-dimensional (2D) PFO separation distance and right-to-left (RL) contrast shunt magnitude were assessed on preprocedural TOE recordings. Peri-procedural measurements of the triangular anatomical PFO opening (base, height, and area) were performed after positioning of a stiff guidewire (SW) through the PFO, using Live xPlane imaging and 3D Zoom mode.

RESULTS

The PFO SW base appeared on average 5 times larger than the preprocedural 2D PFO separation (median difference [IQR] = 13[5] mm; P < .001). For a same PFO separation, the width of the PFO base may vary significantly. The PFO SW base was significantly larger in patients with a large versus a small-to-moderate PFO RL contrast shunt (18 vs 15 mm; P = .007) and in those with a spontaneous versus a provoked shunt (18 vs 14 mm; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Live xPlane and 3D Zoom TOE allow peri-procedural measurement of the largest dimension of a PFO, which is the PFO base. Patients with a large or spontaneous RL contrast shunt appear to have a larger PFO base. The anatomical PFO base dimension may be taken into account for optimization of device and patient selection strategies.

Long-term transesophageal echocardiography after patent foramen ovale closure by BioSTAR and Amplatzer patent foramen ovale occluders

OBJECTIVES

To compare transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) findings after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure by BioSTAR (NMT Medical Inc, Boston, MA) and Amplatzer PFO occluders (Abbott Vascular, Plymouth, MN).

BACKGROUND

PFO closure with a biodegradable device represents an attractive alternative to permanent devices. Long-term effectiveness and morphology after biodegradation remain unknown.

METHODS

Between February 2008 and June 2014, 49 patients received BioSTAR and 48 Amplatzer PFO occluder. TOE was performed after closure, at 6 months and beyond 2 years.

RESULTS

PFO features were comparable between the groups. Immediate effective closure (<5 bubbles on Valsalva) was obtained in 96% by BioSTAR and 88% by Amplatzer PFO occluder (p = .16). Except for transient fever after BioSTAR (10.8 vs. 0%; p = .08), there was no adverse events. TOE at 6 months revealed comparable effective closure (93 vs. 89%; p = .74), all devices in correct position and no thrombus/pericardial effusion. In the BioSTAR group, a peri-device left-to-right color Doppler shunt was documented in one patient (2.2%), protrusion of the nitinol framework strut(s) into the atrial cavity in two patients (4.3%), and both events in one patient (2.2%). TOE beyond 2 years showed comparable effective closure (92 vs. 96%; p = 1.00) and again BioSTAR-associated peri-device left-to-right shunt and metal framework strut(s) protrusion. There was no stroke or peripheral embolization in either group while TIA was numerically greater in BioSTAR patients (6.8 vs. 2.5%; p = .61).

CONCLUSION

BioSTAR provided similar PFO closure rate as Amplatzer PFO occluder. As yet unreported BioSTAR-associated peri-device left-to-right shunt and metal framework strut(s) protrusion may have practical implications for further development of biodegradable devices.

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of high-risk patent foramen ovale in the elderly

The efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter closure for preventing recurrent cerebrovascular events in elderly patients with high-risk patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains unclear, whereas in young patients, it has been shown to effectively prevent the recurrence of embolic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure in elderly patients with high-risk PFO. Between September 2012 and October 2018, 14 patients ≥ 60 years old with high-risk PFO underwent percutaneous closure to prevent recurrence of cerebrovascular events. The primary end point was recurrence of cerebrovascular events after closure in elderly patients with high-risk PFO, and the secondary end points were occurrence of device-related complications, cerebral hemorrhage, and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). The mean patient age and number of cerebrovascular events before closure were 75.2 ± 6.5 years and 1.7 ± 0.7, respectively. All procedures were successfully performed under general anesthesia by transesophageal echocardiography and using a 25-mm Amplatzer Cribriform device. No procedure-related complications occurred. Patients were followed up for a mean 2.6 ± 1.8 years. No patients experienced device-related complications or recurrent cerebrovascular events. However, one patient had AF-related device closure complications at 1 month postoperatively. In addition, other patient had a cerebral hemorrhage with unknown relationship to PFO closure 3 years postoperatively. Percutaneous closure of high-risk PFO in elderly patients may be as effective and safe as in younger patients. It is crucial to evaluate PFO morphology regardless of age in cases of paradoxical embolism.

Right-to-left shunt and subclinical ischemic brain lesions in Chinese migraineurs: a multicentre MRI study

Background

Migraine is considered as a risk factor for subclinical brain ischemic lesions, and right-to-left shunt (RLS) is more common among migraineurs. This cross-sectional study assessed the association of RLS with the increased prevalence of subclinical ischemic brain lesions in migraineurs.

Methods

We enrolled 334 migraineurs from a multicentre study from June 2015 to August 2016. Participants were all evaluated using contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and completed a questionnaire covering demographics, the main risk factors of vascular disease, and migraine status. RLS was classified into four grades (Grade 0 = Negative; Grade I = 1 ≤ microbubbles (MBs) ≤ 10; Grade II = MBs > 10 and no curtain; Grade III = curtain). Silent brain ischemic infarctions (SBI) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were evaluated on MRI.

Results

We found no significant differences between migraineurs with RLS and migraineurs without RLS in subclinical ischemic brain lesions.SBI and WMHs did not increase with the size of the RLS(p for trend for SBI = 0.066, p for trend for WMHs = 0.543). Furthermore, curtain RLS in migraineurs was a risk factor for the presence of SBI (p = 0.032, OR = 3.47; 95%CI: 1.12−10.76). There was no association between RLS and the presence of WMHs.

Conclusion

Overall, RLS is not associated with increased SBI or WMHs in migraineurs. However, when RLS is present as a curtain pattern, it is likely to be a risk factor for SBIs in migraineurs.

Trial registration

No. NCT02425696; registered on April 21, 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-018-1022-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine Headache

Migraine headache is a common and debilitating disease that has a demonstrable association with the presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in multiple case series. Closure of PFO has been performed to try to treat migraine with aura, with variable results. Although early trials suggested benefit to PFO closure, these were of poor quality, and subsequent randomized trials have failed to yield positive results. This article discusses the evidence of an association with PFO and migraine headache, and the trials that have so far been performed to assess the benefits of closure.

Recurrent and Residual Shunts After Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: Results From a Long-Term Transcranial Doppler Study

OBJECTIVES

Assess the evolution of right-to-left shunt (RLS) after transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure.

BACKGROUND

Despite the high number of interventional procedures performed worldwide, limited systematic data on the long-term abolition of RLS after percutaneous closure are available.

METHODS

All patients treated at our Institution between February 2001 and July 2009 were included in this single center, prospective study, and were asked to repeat late contrast transcranial Doppler (cTCD). Rate of complete closure, residual RLS (i.e., a shunt that persists after closure), and recurrent RLS (i.e., a shunt that reappears after a previous negative cTCD) was assessed.

RESULTS

Long-term follow-up was completed in 120 patients (56% male). RLS was still detectable 4.9 ± 2.3 years (range 1.3-10.3) after the procedure in 55 patients; 20 (17%) had residual RLS and 35 (29%) had recurrent RLS. Multivariate analysis revealed that significant predictors of residual RLS included post-procedural shunt at transesophageal echocardiography (OR 3.07, 95%CI 0.97-9.7), use of a bigger device (35 vs 25 mm, OR 3.85, 95%CI 1.22-12.2) and length of follow-up (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.57-0.98), while only length of follow-up (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.62-0.95) was associated with recurrent RLS. Neurological recurrences (1 stroke, 6 transient ischemic attacks) were equally distributed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

A significant number of recurrent and residual shunts may be observed by cTCD up to 5 years after PFO closure. Management of late RLSs includes periodic re-evaluation, exclusion of device-induced complications or secondary sources of RLS, and optimization of antithrombotic treatment with or without a second intervention.

Long-Term Contrast Echocardiography and Clinical Follow-Up after Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale Using Two Different Atrial Septal Occluder Devices

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure by means of a septal occluder device (SOD) is a well-known therapeutic strategy for the secondary prevention of paradoxical embolic neurological events. The aim of this study was to provide long-term echocardiographic and clinical follow-up data on patients who had undergone percutaneous PFO closure with 2 different SOD.

METHODS

We selected 2 groups of patients treated with 2 different SOD: Group A: 52 patients with an Amplatzer(®) PFO Occluder and Group B: 49 patients with a Figulla Flex(®) device. All patients underwent follow-up Bubble Test Transthoracic Echocardiography (BTTE) and clinical examination. The results were compared with those recently reported in a group of patients with similar characteristics, but that had been treated conservatively, which acted as a control group.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up after PFO closure was 53 months. The Amplatzer(®) PFO Occluder and the Figulla Flex were used in 52 (51.5%) and 49 (48.5%) of patients, respectively. We found no significant difference in the rate of effective PFO closure between the devices: Amplatzer 91.4%, Figulla 93.9% (P = 0.71). One patient (1.0%) suffered a recurrent neurologic event. BTTE was positive (BTTE+) in 8 patients (8%), 5 with an Amplatzer, and 3 with a Figulla device (P = 0.516). Only 1 patient with BTTE+ had a recurrent TIA (12.5%). No significant relationship was found between device dimensions and BTTE+ (P = 0.062). In the control group (163 patients), the recurrence of neurologic events was 9.2% (15 events), that was significantly higher in respect to the patients who had undergone percutaneous closure of the PFO.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous PFO closure was associated with a remarkably low risk of recurrent embolic neurological events, and no long-term device-related major complications. No statistically significant difference emerged between the 2 different SODs regarding BTTE positivity. Long-term follow-up showed that the recurrence of neurological events has been significantly higher in the group treated in a conservative way.

Hybrid Imaging During Transcatheter Structural Heart Interventions

Fusion of different imaging modalities has gained increasing popularity over the last decade. However, most fusions are done between static rather than dynamic images. In order to adequately visualize the complex three-dimensional structures of the beating heart, high-temporal and spatial image resolutions are mandatory. Currently, only the combination of transesophageal echocardiography with fluoroscopy allows real-time image fusion of high quality during structural heart disease (SHD) interventions. The use of markers as well as real-time image overlay greatly facilitates communication between SHD team members and potentially increases procedural success while reducing radiation dose and use of contrast. However, to date there is only limited evidence that fusion imaging improves safety and outcomes of SHD interventions. This review highlights the benefits of fusion imaging during SHD interventions such as transseptal puncture and closure of atrial septal defects and left atrial appendage as well as interventions on the mitral and aortic valve.

Acute venous thromboembolic disease and paradoxical embolism

BACKGROUND

We report two cases of paradoxical cerebral embolism associated with acute venous thromboembolic disease.

CASE REPORT

The first case corresponds to a 49-year-old woman with sudden onset of dyspnea and syncope, followed by right upper extremity paresis, aphasia and dysarthria. The admission brain computed tomography (CT) was unremarkable, but lung CT showed multilobar and multisegmentary pulmonary embolism. Echocardiography showed dilated right ventricle with impaired systolic function, moderate tricuspid regurgitation, moderate pulmonary hypertension and positive bubble test, suggestive of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) which was successfully closed by endovascular Amplatzer device placement. The patient was discharged with anticoagulation therapy and permanent antiplatelet aggregation therapy. The second case is a 60-year-old woman found unconscious. Neurological examination revealed expressive aphasia, right hemianopsia, right central facial paralysis and right-sided paresis with a National institute of Health Stroke Scale of 19. Brain CT showed signs of acute left middle cerebral artery infarction. Later, she developed greater impairment of consciousness. A new brain CT showed significant edema with mass effect requiring a decompressive craniotomy. Echocardiography showed PFO and lower extremities' Doppler ultrasound showed a left infrapopliteal posterior tibial right deep venous thrombosis. An inferior vena cava filter was placed and two days after surgery, anticoagulation was started.

Residual shunt after percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale with AMPLATZER occluder devices - influence of anatomic features: a transcranial Doppler and intracardiac echocardiography study

AIMS

To evaluate the relationship between the anatomic features of the fossa ovalis (FO) and residual right-to-left shunt (RLS) after percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure with AMPLATZER PFO occluder devices.

METHODS AND RESULTS

FO anatomic features were assessed by intracardiac echocardiography in 127 patients with large RLS at contrast-enhanced transcranial colour Doppler (TCCD) undergoing percutaneous PFO closure with an AMPLATZER device. Residual RLS was evaluated by TCCD three and 12 months after the procedure. PFO closure was successful in all but two patients. At TCCD, a significant residual RLS (grade ≥2) was observed in 27 (21.6%) and 17 (13.6%) patients at three and 12 months, respectively. Larger baseline RLS, presence of atrial septal aneurysm, greater longitudinal and transverse FO dimensions, and use of larger devices were associated with significant residual RLS. At multivariate analysis, the presence of atrial septal aneurysm (OR 7.6; 95% CI: 1.38-42.35; p=0.02) and longitudinal FO dimension >20.8 mm (OR 8.5; 95% CI: 1.55-46.95; p=0.014) were identified as independent predictors of significant residual RLS at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that a large FO and the presence of atrial septal aneurysm are independent predictors of persistent residual RLS after PFO closure with AMPLATZER devices.

Patent foramen ovale closure prior to surgery in the sitting position

Previously, patent foramen ovale (PFO) was an absolute contraindication to surgery in the sitting position. We report two patients with PFO who underwent surgery in the sitting position after percutaneous PFO closure. To our knowledge this is the first report of this technique.

Initial clinical experience with the Coherex FlatStent™ and FlatStent™ EF PFO closure system for in-tunnel PFO closure: results of the Coherex-EU study

OBJECTIVE

The Coherex-EU Study evaluated the safety and efficacy of PFO closure utilizing novel in-tunnel PFO closure devices.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) followed the development of transcatheter closure devices designed to patch atrial septal defects (ASDs). The Coherex FlatStent™ and FlatStent™ EF devices were designed specifically to treat PFO anatomy.

METHODS

A total of 95 patients with a clinical indication for PFO closure were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter first in man study at six clinical sites. Thirty-six patients received the first-generation FlatStent study device, and 57 patients received the second-generation FlatStent EF study device, which was modified based on clinical experience during the first 38 cases. Two patients enrolled to receive the first generation did not receive a device.

RESULTS

At 6 months post-procedure, 45% (17/38) of the intention-to-treat (ITT) cohort receiving the first-generation FlatStent device had complete closure, 26% (10/38) had a trivial residual shunt, and 29% (11/38) had a moderate to large residual shunt. In the ITT cohort receiving the second-generation FlatStent EF device, 76% (43/57) had complete closure, 12% (7/57) had a trivial shunt, and 12% had a moderate to large shunt. Five major adverse events occurred, all without sequelae.

CONCLUSION

This initial study of the Coherex FlatStent/FlatStent EF PFO Closure System demonstrated the potential for in-tunnel PFO closure. The in-tunnel Coherex FlatStent EF may offer an alternative to septal repair devices for PFO closure in appropriately selected patients; however, further investigation will be necessary to establish the best use of this device.

The brain's heart - therapeutic opportunities for patent foramen ovale (PFO) and neurovascular disease

Patent foramen ovale (PFO), a common congenital cardiac abnormality, is a connection between the right and left atria in the heart. As a "back door to the brain", PFO can serve as a conduit for paradoxical embolism, allowing venous thrombi to enter the arterial circulation, avoiding filtration by the lungs, and causing ischemic stroke. PFO-related strokes affect more than 150,000 people per year in the US, and PFO is present in up to 60% of migraine patients with aura, and in one out of four normal individuals. So, in such a highly prevalent condition, what are the best treatment and prevention strategies? Emerging studies show PFO-related neurovascular disease to be a multi-organ condition with varying individual risk factors that may require individualized therapeutic approaches - opening the field for new pharmacologic and therapeutic targets. The anatomy of PFO suggests that, in addition to thrombi, it can also allow harmful circulatory factors to travel directly from the venous to the arterial circulation, a concept important in finding novel therapeutic targets for PFO-related neurovascular injury. Here, we: 1) review emerging data on PFO-related injuries and clinical trials; 2) discuss potential mechanisms of PFO-related neurovascular disease in the context of multi-organ interaction and heart-brain signaling; and 3) discuss novel therapeutic targets and research frontiers. Clinical studies and molecular mapping of the circulatory landscape of this multi-organ disease will both be necessary in order to better individualize clinical treatment for a condition affecting more than a quarter of the world's population.

Transcatheter interatrial septal defect closure in a large cohort: midterm follow-up results

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated immediate and midterm results of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) using various closure devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included four hundred fourteen patients (one hundred eighty-two men, two hundred thirty-two women; mean age 39 ± 12.3 years; range 17-67 years) who underwent transcatheter closure of secundum ASD (n = 193) or PFO (n = 221). All the patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography before the procedure. Transcatheter closure was performed by using Amplatzer (n = 184), Occlutech Figulla (n = 209), or BioSTAR (n = 21) devices. Closure of ASDs was performed under general anesthesia with transesophageal echocardiography guidance, and closure of PFOs was performed under local anesthesia with transthoracic echocardiography guidance. Follow-up controls were at 1, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter. The median follow-up periods of ASD and PFO patients were 43 and 30 months.

RESULTS

The mean device size was 19.3 ± 6.2 mm for ASD patients and 24.6 ± 2.6 mm for PFO patients. The mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 22.3 ± 4.7 and 4.1 ± 1.9 minutes for ASD closure and 12.4 ± 3.2 and 3.1 ± 1.2 minutes for PFO closure, respectively. Procedural device embolization occurred in only two patients (0.48%). During follow-up, recurrent embolic events occurred in four patients (1.8%) after PFO closure, and no residual shunts were seen after ASD closure. Device thrombosis developed in two ASD patients during the procedure and in one PFO patient at 12th month of the follow-up (0.72%).

CONCLUSION

Transcatheter closure of PFOs and secundum-type ASDs using the Amplatzer, Occlutech Figulla, and BioSTAR devices is an efficacious and safe therapeutic option.

Early-mid term follow-up results of percutaneous closure of the interatrial septal defects with occlutech figulla devices: a single center experience

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous closure of secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) has gained widespread use in recent years. Herein, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Occlutech® Figulla devices for PFO and ASD closure in a reference tertiary center.

METHODS

All 143 patients (46.9% male, mean age 39.3 ± 12.2 years) who underwent transcatheter PFO (n = 85) and ASD (n = 58) closure with Occlutech® Figulla devices between February 2009 and October 2011 were included in this study. An echocardiographic follow-up examination was performed at the 1st, 6th, and 12th month visits.

RESULTS

The devices were successfully implanted in all 143 patients (100%). In-hospital periprocedural complications were device embolization (0.7%; 1 ASD patient), atrial fibrillation (1.4%; 1 ASD and 1 PFO patients), supraventricular tachycardia (0.7%; 1 PFO patient), and vascular access hematoma (0.7%; 1 ASD patient). Among ASD patients, 2 patients had trivial (jet width <1 mm in diameter) and 1 patient had small (1-2 mm) residual shunts before hospital discharge, which disappeared after the 6-month visit. During the mean 15.4 ± 9.6 months follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic and no ischemic stroke, cardiac perforation, device erosion, embolization, thrombus formation, or malposition of the device was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous PFO and secundum type ASD closure with the novel Occlutech® Figulla Occluder devices without left atrial central pin and with significantly reduced meshwork was safe, feasible, and effective.

Secondary stroke prevention: patent foramen ovale, aortic plaque, and carotid stenosis

Stroke is the most debilitating cardiovascular event. It has a variety of causes that may be present simultaneously. In young or otherwise healthy people, the search for a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has become standard. In stroke of the elderly, atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation are in the foreground but the PFO should not be ignored. The risk of a PFO-related stroke over time is controversial and so is its prevention by device closure. The association of proximal aortic plaques in arteries subtending the brain and stroke is considered strong, ignoring that it is as putative as that of the PFO. Statins can prevent progression of such plaques. Antiplatelet agents in asymptomatic and surgical endarterectomy in symptomatic patients or highly ulcerated lesions are the treatment of choice. Stenting with protection devices was shown competitive in selected patients.

Long-term propensity score-matched comparison of percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale with medical treatment after paradoxical embolism

BACKGROUND

Patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack presumably related to patent foramen ovale (PFO) are at risk for recurrent cerebrovascular events. Differences in long-term clinical outcome were investigated among patients with percutaneous PFO closure and those who received medical treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between 1994 and 2000, 308 consecutive patients with cerebrovascular events presumably related to PFO underwent either percutaneous PFO closure (150 patients) or medical treatment (158 patients). Patients were followed up prospectively for up to 15 years. Seven patients were lost during follow-up. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral embolism. We analyzed 103 propensity score-matched pairs of patients who underwent percutaneous PFO closure or medical treatment. At a median follow-up of 9 years, the primary composite outcome occurred in 11 patients slated to PFO closure (11%) and 22 patients slated to medical treatment (21%; hazard ratio=0.43; 95% confidence interval=0.20-0.94; P=0.033). The treatment effect was driven by a decrease in the risk of transient ischemic attack of 5% versus 14%, respectively (hazard ratio=0.31; 95% confidence interval=0.10-0.94; P=0.039). The risk of all-cause (6% in both groups) and cardiovascular (3% in both groups) mortality appeared to be identical.

CONCLUSION

In this long-term observational, propensity score-matched study, percutaneous PFO closure was more effective than medical treatment for the secondary prevention of recurrent cerebrovascular events among patients with PFO-related transient ischemic attack or stroke.

Patent foramen ovale closure and medical treatments for secondary stroke prevention: a systematic review of observational and randomized evidence

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients discovered to have a patent foramen ovale in the setting of a cryptogenic stroke may be treated with percutaneous closure, antiplatelet therapy, or anticoagulants. A recent randomized trial (CLOSURE I) did not detect any benefit of closure over medical treatment alone; the optimal medical therapy is also unknown. We synthesized the available evidence on secondary stroke prevention in patients with patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was performed for finding longitudinal studies investigating medical treatment or closure, meta-analysis of incidence rates (IR), and IR ratios of recurrent cerebrovascular events.

RESULTS

Fifty-two single-arm studies and 7 comparative nonrandomized studies and the CLOSURE I trial were reviewed. The summary IR of recurrent stroke was 0.36 events (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.56) per 100 person-years with closure versus 2.53 events (95% CI, 1.91-3.35) per 100 person-years with medical therapy. In comparative observational studies, closure was superior to medical therapy (IR ratio=0.19; 95% CI, 0.07-0.54). The IR for the closure arm of the CLOSURE I trial was higher than the summary estimate from observational studies; there was no significant benefit of closure over medical treatment (P=0.002 comparing efficacy estimates between observational studies and the trial). Observational and randomized data (9 studies) comparing medical therapies were consistent and suggested that anticoagulants are superior to antiplatelets for preventing stroke recurrence (IR ratio=0.42; 95% CI, 0.18-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Although further randomized trial data are needed to precisely determine the effects of closure on stroke recurrence, the results of CLOSURE I challenge the credibility of a substantial body of observational evidence strongly favoring mechanical closure over medical therapy.

Can Computer Tomography Predict Compromise of Cardiac Structures After Percutaneous Closure of Interatrial Septal Defects?

BACKGROUND

Erosion of a cardiac structure after device closure of an interatrial septal communication (IASC-C), although rare, is a major and severe adverse event which may be underreported. On the other hand, unexplained episodes of transient chest pain occur more often and may be quite distressing. We sought to define the parameters relating the devices to the adjacent cardiac structures and to determine whether computer tomography (CT) could predict erosion of atrial or aortic wall or precordial pain symptoms occurring in the first months after device implantation.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of 20 patients who underwent CT for de novo chest pain occurring after IASC-C or as a diagnostic test for suspected or proven coronary artery disease (CAD). Clinical follow up was for 20.5 ± 17.6 (6-84) months. CT was done 18 ± 10 (2-28) weeks after IASC-C.

RESULTS

Indentation of the aortic root was found in 11 (55%) patients, the left atrial wall in 13 (65%) and the right atrial wall in eight (40%) of patients. Contact without indentation was found in nine (45%), 6 (30%) and 11 (55%) of patients respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Device indenting of the left and right atrial, as well as the aortic wall, occured in the majority of the patients examined after IASC-C. This finding may explain bouts of chest pain after the intervention in some patients, but does not predict clinically relevant erosion of a cardiac structure.

Comparison of outcome after patent foramen ovale closure in older versus younger patients

AIMS

Percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure seems to be effective for secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke in patients younger than 55 years of age. The efficacy in older patients remains uncertain. We compared the efficacy of PFO closure between patients younger and older than 55 years.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All 335 patients (mean age 50.2 ± 12.6 years; 205 men) with cryptogenic thromboembolism who underwent PFO closure in our centres between 1998 and 2008 were included. Mean follow-up period was 4.2 ± 1.9 years in the elderly (n=120) and 3.8 ± 2.4 years in the younger patients (n=215) (p=0.15). Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and coronary and peripheral artery disease was higher in the elderly (p<0.05 for all). Re-occurrence of stroke or TIA was higher in the elderly compared to the younger (annual event rate 2.4% versus 0.6%; log rank, p=0.005). Re-occurrence of stroke alone was higher in the elderly (annual event rate 1.2% versus 0.1%; log rank, p=0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that an age of >55 years was an independent predictor of recurrent stroke or TIA (HR 3.2, p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous PFO closure appears to be effective for secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke in younger patients but seems to be related with less beneficial outcome in elderly. Randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Stroke during pregnancy: therapeutic options and role of percutaneous device closure

Percutaneous device closure of patent foramen ovale has developed into a therapeutic option for patients with presumed cryptogenic stroke. The appropriate use of these therapies relies on appropriate clinical assessment, as well as an understanding of the potential advantages of certain closure devices. Pregnancy is an uncommon scenario for stroke, but nonetheless represents a hypercoaguable state which may predispose to thromboembolism. We describe a case of stroke during pregnancy treated with percutaneous device closure; the role of, and alternatives to, device closure are discussed, as are specific issues related to device selection and the interventional procedure.

Closure of Interatrial Septal Communications: Adverse Events and Lessons Learned

Background

Percutaneous closure of interatrial septal communications (IASC) is generally being regarded as a safe and straightforward intervention. Reporting and classification of adverse events (AE) as is the case for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not standardized. Also, the focus of reported larger studies has not been primarily on AE and strategies to avoid them.

Methods

The data of all 112 consecutive patients undergoing IASC by a single operator were reviewed. In analogy to classification for PCI, an AE was considered to be major if any of the following occurred: death, major or minor stroke, myocardial infarction, the need for an originally unplanned additional surgery or intervention or blood transfusion. Every AE and how it may have been avoided is reviewed in detail.

Results

Major AE according to the suggested classification occurred in 2.7% of patients, including tamponade in 1 patient necessitating thoracotomy 7 months after IASC, percutaneous retrieval of an embolized device in 1 patient, and ambulatory same day surgical treatment of an arteriovenous fistula in 1 patient.

Conclusions

The proposed new classification of AE provides a unified and comparable approach for IASC procedures. Retrospectively, two of the 3 major AE could have probably been avoided by more thoughtful patient and material selection.

Percutaneous atrial shunt closure using the novel Occlutech Figulla device: 6-month efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

The Occlutech Figulla Occluder is a new innovative device for percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and an atrial septum defect (ASD). We describe the safety and efficacy of this new device at 6-month follow-up.

METHODS

All 82 consecutive patients (51% female, mean age 49.0 ± 13.6 years) who underwent percutaneous PFO (n = 48) or ASD (n = 34) closure between October 2008 and October 2009 were included.

RESULTS

Implantation success was 100%. The in-hospital complications were two new onset supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (2.4%, both ASD patients), nine minimal groin hematoma's (11.0%, 4 PFO and 5 ASD patients), and one transient ST elevation during the procedure (1.2%, ASD patient). During 6 months follow-up (n = 79), no major complications or reoccurrences of cerebral thrombo-embolic events did occur. Seven patients (8.9%, 6 PFO and 1 ASD patient) experienced a new SVT. One patient developed a recurrent cerebral hemorrhage 5 months after ASD closure, which appeared not to be related to the procedure. Using contrast transthoracic echocardiography 6 months after PFO closure (n = 45), a residual shunt was present in 30.2% of the patients (small 25.6%, moderate 4.6%, severe 0%). In the ASD group (n = 34), a residual shunt was observed in 32.5% (small 17.7%, moderate 14.7%, severe 2.9%).

CONCLUSION

The Occlutech Figulla Occluder appears to be easy to use, effective, and safe for percutaneous closure of PFO and ASD. We report a low complication rate but a relative high percentage of small residual shunts 6 months after closure.

Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the american heart association/american stroke association

The aim of this updated statement is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on the prevention of ischemic stroke among survivors of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Evidence-based recommendations are included for the control of risk factors, interventional approaches for atherosclerotic disease, antithrombotic treatments for cardioembolism, and the use of antiplatelet agents for noncardioembolic stroke. Further recommendations are provided for the prevention of recurrent stroke in a variety of other specific circumstances, including arterial dissections; patent foramen ovale; hyperhomocysteinemia; hypercoagulable states; sickle cell disease; cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; stroke among women, particularly with regard to pregnancy and the use of postmenopausal hormones; the use of anticoagulation after cerebral hemorrhage; and special approaches to the implementation of guidelines and their use in high-risk populations.

Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale

Patent foramen ovale is found in 24% of healthy adults and 38% of patients with cryptogenic stroke. This ratio and case reports indicate that patent foramen ovale and stroke are associated, probably because of paradoxical embolism. In healthy people with patent foramen ovale, embolic events are not more frequent than in controls, and therefore no primary prevention is needed. However, once ischaemic events occur, the risk of recurrence is substantial and prevention becomes an issue. Acetylsalicylic acid and warfarin reduce this risk to the same level as in patients without patent foramen ovale. Patent foramen ovale with a coinciding atrial septal aneurysm, spontaneous or large right-to-left shunt, or multiple ischaemic events potentiates the risk of recurrence. Transcatheter device closure has therefore become an intriguing addition to medical treatment, but its therapeutic value still needs to be confirmed by randomised-controlled trials.

Incidence and predictors of atrial fibrillation following transcatheter closure of interatrial septal communications using contemporary devices

Background

Transcatheter closure of interatrial septal communications (IASC) is being increasingly performed, while less is known about predictors and incidence of new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after device closure. Hitherto, most studies have only analyzed some parameters potentially influencing the occurrence of AF, variously omitting others and thus limiting interpretation of results.

Methods

Descriptive, single author, observational study with 68 consecutive patients [aged 53.6 ± 15.1 years; 32 females (47%)] undergoing IASC closure, being followed up for 16.8 (±9.9; 6–42) months. Two patients with AF previous to device implantation had been excluded. Parameters analyzed included age and gender as well as presence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, atrial size, body mass index, device size, and presence of residual shunt. Device size was normalized to maximal disk diameter as declared by the manufacturer.

Results

The incidence of new onset AF was 10.3% in the first 6 months after IASC closure. The only two predictors linked to AF were device size (P = 0.002) and, although not reaching significance level, right atrial dilatation (P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Occluder size was the only significant predictor of post-procedural AF, especially after PFO closure. Although there may be constraints (defect size, presence of an atrial septal aneurysm) that may dictate implantation of a larger device, it is reasonable to implant them “as large as necessary, as small as possible”. The influence of atrial dimensions on post-procedural onset of AF must be further investigated.

Patent foramen ovale, systemic embolization, and closure

Patent foramen ovale has become the subject of increasing interest in modern cardiovascular disease. This has been the result of several factors including, among others, description of paradoxical embolism, documentation of patent foramen ovale with right to left shunt, the rather ubiquitous use of echocardiography, the issue of stroke prevention, and more recently, the relationship between patent foramen ovale and migraine.

Percutaneous PFO closure with Amplatzer PFO occluder: predictors of residual shunts at 6 months follow-up

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess predictors of residual shunts after percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure with Amplatzer PFO occluder (AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, MN, USA).

METHODS

All percutaneous PFO closures, using Amplatzer PFO occluder performed at a tertiary center between May 2002 and August 2006, were reviewed. Follow-up, including saline contrast transesophageal echocardiography, was performed in all patients 6 months after the intervention.

PATIENTS

A total of 135 procedures were performed. Mean age of the patients was 51 years. The indication for PFO closure was an ischemic cerebrovascular event in 92%, paradoxical systemic embolism in 4%, and a diving accident in 4%. Recurrent events prior to PFO closure were noted in 34%. A concomitant atrial septal aneurysm was present in 61%.

RESULTS

At 6 months follow-up, a residual shunt was detected in 26 patients (19%). Residual shunts were more common in patients with an atrial septal aneurysm (27 vs. 8%, P= .01) and in patients treated with a 35-mm compared with a 25-mm device (39 vs. 15%, P= .01). A concomitant atrial septal aneurysm remained independently associated with residual shunts when controlled for body mass index, gender, age, atrial dimensions, and presence of a Chiari network (odds ratio 4.1, 95% confidence intervals 1.1-15.0).

CONCLUSION

The presence of atrial septal aneurysms in patients undergoing percutaneous PFO closure with an Amplatzer PFO occluder significantly increases the rate of residual shunts at 6 months follow-up, even if 35-mm devices are used.

Transvenous closure of patent foramen ovale: preliminary results with a new self-expanding nitinol wire mesh in a Swine model

Objectives. The transvascular closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) with self-expanding devices carries the risk of left atrial thrombus formation related to material protruding into the left atrium. Thus, we developed a novel device with flat left atrial disc geometry. We evaluated feasibility, handling, and biocompatibility in a porcine animal model. Methods. Implantation of an Occlutech Figulla PFO device was performed in 10 mini pigs using fluoroscopy and intra-cardiac ultrasound after transseptal puncture of the interatrial septum. Angiographic follow-up was performed after six and twelve weeks. Results. Implantation was successful in 100%. There were no further implant related complications. One procedure related death occurred, as one animal died of ventricular tachycardia due to mispunture of the interatrial septum. Angiographic studies showed no residual shunt during follow-up. Histopathological evaluation could demonstrate partial neoendothelialization after 6 weeks with completion after 12 weeks. The devices were incorporated into connective tissue containing fibro muscular cells. An only mild inflammatory reaction was detected locally related to the polyester fibers. Conclusion. In terms of feasibility and handling, the new device does not seem to be inferior to other presently used implantation systems. Good biocompatibility was demonstrated with rapid and complete neoendothelialization.

Late complications of transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale: new technology and new outcomes

As a method to prevent recurrent paradoxical embolism and therefore cryptogenic stroke, catheter-based patent foramen ovale closure was first reported in 1992. Since then numerous different devices have been designed to prevent paradoxical embolism. The development of new devices has risen pretty rapidly. Currently, no device can be regarded as the gold standard. Prospective randomized trials comparing interventionalpatent foramen ovale closure with medical treatment are still lacking. The primary aim is to create a device which is easy to implant and able to prevent paradoxical embolism. Additional goals are to minimize early and late complications, such as thrombembolism, erosion of adjacent structures, thrombus formation or atrial arrhythmia. This review gives an overview of the data and the current literature regarding long-term complications (follow-up ≥ 1 month) after patent foramen ovale closure with current devices and presents the initial, midterm and late results after patent foramen ovale closure with newer devices.