Patent Foramen Ovale

PFO is present in 1/3rd to 1/4th of the population and is a proven cause of systemic embolism. PFO is additionally thought to be casually involved in several other conditions such as migraine, diving incidence, platynea orthodeoxia, economy class syndrome, sleep apnea and persistent desaturations in mild RV dysfunction. §Observational proof of the benefit of PFO closure is abundant but not yet corroborated by randomized trials. PFO anatomy varies significantly and this has led to the introduction of several different devices. Closure techniques are additionally highly variable and significant controversy exists in the management of PFO. §Most books are written on ASD closure where PFO is only partly covered. This book would provide the ultimate reference on PFO covering topics such as PFO anatomy, genetics, and effect on different organs in addition to trials, different devices and techniques available for closure.The primary audience for this work will be all adult and pediatric interventional community, general cardiologists, internists, primary care physicians, neurologists and device companies. It will also serve as a reference for medical students, graduate students and fellows in training.