Patent foramen ovale (PFO)

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Patent foramen ovale (PFO)

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole in the heart that develops in a fetus before birth to help with blood flow. This flap-like opening is located in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. In most cases, it closes on its own during infancy or remains open but never causes problems. In about 25% of the population, the hole does not close on its own, but fewer than 1% of people ever need to have a PFO closed.

Closing the PFO may be recommended if it is suspected of causing otherwise unexplained strokes, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs, or “mini strokes”), or embolisms (bloodstream blockages). Closing the PFO is a minimally invasive procedure, where a small incision (cut) is usually made in the inner thigh area. Then, a tiny catheter tube with a closure device is inserted into a large vein and slowly guided into the heart. Once the catheter reaches the PFO, the device expands upon release and is left in place to seal the hole. This procedure is usually followed by a chest X-ray and/or an echocardiogram to confirm that the device is positioned properly.

PFO care at UAB Medicine

The Heart-Brain Clinic at UAB Medicine specializes in patients with neurological symptoms due to stroke and cardiac conditions such as a PFO. The first of its kind in Alabama, the clinic brings together stroke neurologists and interventional cardiologists to provide one-stop appointments for patients.

This level of multi-specialty care is especially important for patients born with a PFO, because in rare cases this hole can allow blood clots to escape from the heart into the brain and cause a stroke – especially among young people. Strokes caused by a PFO often can be prevented from happening again with a surgery to close the hole, but special expertise is needed to determine if a stroke or TIA was caused by the PFO.

This expertise is what sets the Heart-Brain Clinic apart. The team will work together to evaluate your case, recommend any additional tests that may be needed, and develop a personalized patient care plan for managing PFO and stroke.

To make an appointment with the Heart-Brain Clinic or for more information, please call 205-975-1888.