Efficacy And Safety Of Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovate Closure In Patients With Thrombophilia

Background: The presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with higher rates of cryptogenic stroke. In patients with hypercoagulable states, the incidence of recurrent cerebral ischemic events may be greatly increased if a PFO is present. Percutaneous PFO closure is an alternative therapeutic approach for patients with both conditions who are not candidates for long-term anticoagulation, or have developed recurrent neurological events despite medical therapy. Methods: Between January 1995 to February 2007, 424 consecutive patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke underwent percutaneous PFO closure. Of these, we identified 112 (26%) patients with a hypercoagulable disorder. We compared the safety and long-term outcome of percutaneous PFO closure in these two groups of patients. Results: Patients with thrombophilia were older (51.7±13 vs 48.3±14 years, p = 0.025), yet no different regarding baseline demographics or echocardiographic characteristics. Percutaneous PFO closure was successful in all the patients. There were no differences in the type of device used (Amplatzer: 53.6 vs 50%, Cardioseal 39.3 vs 41.7%, Sideris 7.1 vs 8.3%; p= 0.78). At median follow-up of 14.3 months (interquartile range: 6.1–31.4 months) there rate of stroke/TIA was similar for both groups (1.7 vs 1.6%, log rank test p = 0.35). At follow-up echocardiography, the rate of complete PFO closure was greater in the thrombophilic patients (97.3 vs 91.7%, p=0.04). Conclusions: Percutaneous PFO closure is safe and effective in preventing recurrent ischemic cerebral events in patients with thrombophilia.