Prognosis after percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale for paradoxical embolism

The long-term risk and risk factors for recurrent embolism after percutaneo us closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) were investigated in 152 consecuti ve patients with presumed paradoxical embolism. During follow-up, the actua rial freedom from recurrent embolism was 95.1% at 1 year, and 90.6% at 2 an d 6 years. A residual shunt after percutaneous PFO closure was a predictor for recurrence (RR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 21.0; p = 0.02). Randomized trials co mparing medical treatment with percutaneous PFO closure in the prevention o f recurrent embolism are in progress.