What Is a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)?

A foramen ovale is a hole between the left and right atria.  It is a common heart defect affecting 25% of the adult population.

It is required before birth as the lungs are not yet functional.  After birth, it normally closes and seals completely.

If the foramen ovale does not close completely but remains patent (as a Patent Foramen Ovale) then it remains a possible passageway for material to pass form the venous (right) side of the heart to the arterial (left) side of the heart. For most people this possibility is of no clinical importance, however, in some it can lead to a stroke.  In others, it can cause disabling migraines.

These holes can be closed using devices deployed through a tube from the leg.

Dr McGaw has expertise in this procedure.