Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: British Cardiovascular Intervention Society Position Statement

Abstract

The foramen ovale is a flap in the atrial septum that is open in the fetus to allow oxygenated blood returning from the placenta to pass to the systemic circulation. In early life, the primum septal flap should close, but in 25% of people the flap does not seal fully. Most patent foramen ovale (PFO) are small and open only following Valsalva. Resting right-to-left shunts are less common, occurring in 5% of individuals. This British Cardiovascular Intervention Society position statement describes the diagnosis, indications and procedure for PFO closure.