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 FlatStent EF PFO Closure System has been CE Marked and is currently distributed outside the U.S.A. and Japan by Abbott Vascular.    It is not available for investigational use or for commercial distribution at this time in the U.S.A.
©  2010 Coherex Medical, Inc.  All rights reserved.  COHEREX MEDICAL and COHEREX FLATSTENT are trademarks of Coherex Medical, Inc.   U.S. and foreign patents pending.  This website was last updated on July 27, 2010.

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