The foramen ovale is a small hole or channel in the wall between the top two heart chambers that allows oxygenated blood to mix in a baby before it is born. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) refers to the condition that happens if the hole stays open after a baby is born.

A catheter can be used to guide the placement of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device – which becomes a permanent implant – that will close the hole in the heart wall.

How does it work?

A PFO closure device is moved through the vein to the heart, and specifically to the location of the heart wall defect. Once in the correct location, the PFO closure device is formed so that it straddles each side of the hole. The device will remain in the heart permanently to stop the abnormal flow of blood between the two atrial chambers of the heart. The catheter is then removed and the procedure is complete.