Overview
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure is a minimally invasive procedure to seal a small hole in the heart between the left and right atria. PFO is a congenital heart defect present in about 25% of adults, often asymptomatic but sometimes associated with stroke, migraine, or transient ischemic attacks.
South Korea is globally recognized for advanced cardiac interventions, offering expert cardiologists, high-tech catheterization labs, and comprehensive post-procedure care, making it a top destination for PFO closure.
What is PFO Closure?
PFO closure involves placing a device via a catheter to seal the opening in the heart. This prevents abnormal blood flow between atria and reduces the risk of complications.
✔ Percutaneous approach: Device inserted through a vein, usually in the leg, and guided to the heart.
➔ Device deployment: Specialized occluder seals the PFO.
● Non-surgical, minimally invasive: No open-heart surgery required.
★ Permanent closure: Device remains in place, promoting tissue growth over time to permanently seal the hole.
This procedure is often recommended for patients with cryptogenic stroke, recurrent migraine with aura, or decompression illness in divers.
What are the Benefits?
PFO closure offers several advantages:
✔ Reduces risk of stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA).
➔ Minimally invasive with no large incisions or sternotomy.
● Rapid recovery: Short hospital stay, typically 1–2 days.
★ Improves quality of life by potentially reducing migraines associated with PFO.
➤ Long-term protection: Permanent closure reduces abnormal blood flow.
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for PFO Closure?
Preparation ensures safety and optimal outcomes:
✔ Medical evaluation: Echocardiography, cardiac catheterization planning, blood tests.
➔ Medication management: Blood thinners or anticoagulants may need adjustment.
● Fasting: Usually 6–8 hours prior to the procedure.
★ Patient counseling: Discuss procedure, benefits, potential complications, and recovery.
➤ Pre-procedure hygiene: Skin cleaning and proper preparation for catheter insertion site.
2) What happens during the procedure PFO Closure?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation and typically takes 1–2 hours:
✔ Venous access: Catheter inserted through the femoral vein in the leg.
➔ Guidance to heart: Catheter advanced to the atrial septum using imaging techniques.
● Device deployment: Occluder is positioned and expanded to seal the PFO.
★ Verification: Imaging confirms correct placement and secure closure.
➤ Completion: Catheter removed and small pressure dressing applied to the insertion site.
Korean cardiologists often use high-resolution echocardiography and fluoroscopy for precise placement and safety.
3) What happens after PFO Closure?
Post-procedure care focuses on monitoring, preventing complications, and gradual recovery:
✔ Hospital stay: Usually 1–2 days for observation.
➔ Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks.
● Medication: Temporary anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy may be prescribed.
★ Follow-up: Echocardiography at 1–6 months to ensure device stability and closure.
➤ Lifestyle guidance: Resume normal daily activities gradually while adhering to medication instructions.
Risks / Benefits
Possible Risks:
✔ Device malposition or embolization (rare)
➔ Arrhythmias during or after the procedure
● Blood clots or thrombus formation on the device
★ Vascular access complications (bleeding or hematoma)
➤ Infection or allergic reaction to device materials (rare)
Major Benefits:
✔ Minimally invasive with no open-heart surgery
➔ Reduces risk of stroke and recurrent TIA
● Short recovery time with early return to daily activities
★ Permanent closure with long-term protection against abnormal blood flow
➤ Potential improvement in PFO-related migraines
Recovery and Outlook
✔ Initial recovery: Mild soreness at insertion site; typically 1–2 days hospital stay.
➔ Monitoring: ECG, echocardiography, and vital signs during hospitalization.
● Medication adherence: Follow prescribed antiplatelet therapy for several months.
★ Long-term outcome: Most patients experience complete closure with low risk of recurrent stroke.
➤ Follow-up: Regular cardiology visits for monitoring and device evaluation.
When To Call the Doctor
Contact your doctor if you notice:
✔ Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations
➔ Fever, chills, or signs of infection
● Swelling or bleeding at the catheter insertion site
★ Neurological symptoms such as sudden weakness, speech difficulty, or vision changes
➤ Severe leg pain or discoloration at the access site
Best Korea Option / Process
South Korea provides expert PFO closure care with:
✔ Leading hospitals: Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital.
➔ Advanced catheterization labs: High-resolution imaging and modern occluder devices.
● Expert interventional cardiologists: Skilled in complex and minimally invasive cardiac procedures.
★ Comprehensive post-procedure care: Monitoring, medication management, and follow-up evaluations.
➤ Medical tourism support: Translation, travel coordination, and continuity of care for international patients.
✅ Highlights:
✔ PFO closure is a minimally invasive procedure to seal a heart defect
➔ Reduces risk of stroke and transient ischemic attacks
● Short hospital stay with rapid recovery
★ Risks include device malposition, arrhythmias, bleeding, or infection
➤ Korean hospitals provide high-tech catheterization labs and expert cardiology teams for safe, effective treatment
