Introduction to Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Devices

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remaining opening in the septum between the two upper chambers of the heart, the left and right atria. Normally, this opening closes after birth, but for some people it remains unsealed. This allows blood to pass from the right atrium to the left atrium. While many people live normally with a PFO, in some cases blood clots can pass through the opening and cause a stroke. Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Devices closure devices aim to seal this opening and prevent such events.

Types of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Devices

There are three main types of devices used for PFO closure:

Compliant Septal Occluder Devices: These devices are self-expanding and made of flexible nitinol mesh that conforms to the shape of the septum. They have thick flanges on both sides of the septum that help seal the opening. Some examples include Amplatzer PFO Occluder and Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder.

Non-Compliant Septal Occluder Devices: These occluders are more rigid and do not conform as easily to the septum. They typically have a disk on one side of the septum and a retention frame on the other side. Examples are Helex Septal Occluder and Biomerix Septal Occluder.

Cribriform Devices: These newer generation devices consist of multiple small nitinol discs connected together by short wires. They aim to distribute closure forces more evenly along the septum instead of relying on flanges. Examples are Gore Septal Occluder and Occlutech Figulla Flex II OCcluder.

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