PFO “Please Figure Out,” or Now “Potentially Figured Out?” ∗

In 2001, one of us (B.A.L.) was asked to give medicine grand rounds on the topic of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for cryptogenic stroke. The copresenting neurologist creatively titled it “PFO = Please Figure Out.” Fifteen years and 3 randomized trials later, the witty title still resonates. The recurrent theme of the 3 trials comparing medical management and transcatheter device closure of PFO to prevent recurrent cryptogenic stroke has favored device closure but fallen short of the “holy grail” of statistical significance (p < 0.05) in the intention-to-treat analysis.

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology - February 23, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research