Device-related risk of atrial fibrillation after closure of patent foramen ovale: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a frequent complication in patients after interventional closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). We aimed to compare the incident rate and risk of AF between Amplatzer PFO and GORE (Helex and CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder) device by analyzing the data from randomized trials. Methods We included all randomized studies which reported the rate of AF after PFO closure using Amplatzer or GORE occluder in patients suffering cryptogenic stroke and compared the risk of AF between the two devices. PubMed and Cochrane library were searched for eligible studies published until July 2020. Results Rate of all cases of incident AF from randomized trials with Amplatzer in the interventional group was 3.93% (30/763) vs. 1.46% (11/751) in the respective medical group (RR of 2.57, 95% CI 1.31–5.03, p = 0.006). The incidence of incident AF from randomized trial with GORE device was 6.57% (29/441) vs. 0.44% (1/223) in the respective medical group (RR of 14.66, 95% CI 2.01–106.95, p = 0.008). The p for interaction between the two devices regarding risk of AF was 0.10. Conclusions The results suggest lower risk expressed by lower rate of incident AF after PFO closure using Amplatzer PFO Occluder when compared with GORE Occluder. However, these findings are derived from secondary analyses and should be scrutinized using appropriate screening tool for AF following PFO closure in adequately powered randomized clinical trial with a head-to-head design that compares the two devices.