WHAT IS A PFO?

A foramen ovale is an opening between the upper chambers of the heart that is present in all fetuses. This tunnel-like opening allows blood to bypass the lungs, because they are not used until after birth. The foramen ovale normally closes soon after the infant is born. If this opening fails to close naturally within a year after birth, the opening is said to remain patent, and the condition is called a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

PFOs are fairly common, occurring in about 25% of the general population. Unless there are other associated defects, there are usually no complications associated with PFO. However, PFO has been linked to at least two medical conditions that may benefit greatly from closure: cryptogenic stroke and migraine.

What is a PFO?

Cryptogenic Stroke

Migraine

Other Diseases Linked to PFO

 

Notice:  The Coherex device has been CE Marked and is available commercially outside of the USA.    It is not available                 for investigational use or for commercial distribution at this time in the USA.
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