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At least 919 records · Page 51Linked to original sources

Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: Comparing results of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in older and younger patient cohorts. BACKGROUND: The literature pertaining to stroke and PFO has focused on patients <55 years of age. METHODS: Between March 2000 and December 2003, 456 consecutive stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients (14.2-91.1 years, mean 51.4 +/- 15.5) underwent successful closure of PFO with a CardioSEAL Septal Occluder by one operator at five hospitals. Of the 456 patients, 184 (40.4%) were >55 years of age at the time of the procedure (mean 66.9 +/- 8.3 years) and comprise the subject group (OLDER). The remaining 272 patients (mean 41.1 +/- 7.7) comprise the control group (YOUNGER). Data were collected prospectively in a registry type format. RESULTS: Minor procedural complications were comparable: 7/184 (3.8%) OLDER vs. 12/272 (4.4%) YOUNGER (P = NS). In the follow-up period (1-45 months, mean = 17.8 +/- 11.1), there was no significant difference in the rate of recurrent stroke/TIA, headaches, or late unrelated death. Forty OLDER patients and 47 YOUNGER developed new onset atrial arrhythmia (P = NS). The incidence of new onset atrial fibrillation (AF), however, was significantly higher in OLDER (14/40 OLDER and only 2/47 YOUNGER, P < 0.025). All patients who were in normal sinus rhythm (NSR) before the procedure are in NSR at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients should not be excluded from PFO closure. The procedure seems as safe and effective in preventing recurrent stroke in the older, as in the younger population. Older patients seem more prone to developing AF.

Adolescent↗

Transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure using the Premere PFO occlusion system.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of the new Premere patent foramen ovale (PFO) occlusion system. BACKGROUND: Several different devices have been used so far for transcatheter PFO closure but no data has been published so far on the efficacy and safety of the Premere PFO occlusion system. METHODS: Since September 2005, 15 patients (seven males, eight females; mean age 51.2 +/- 10.8 years) at our institution underwent transcatheter PFO closure because of cryptogenic stroke, using the Premere PFO occlusion system. The procedure was performed under fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance in all patients. Seven patients (47%) had an associated atrial septal aneurysm and two patients had had >1 stroke. Five patients (33%) had an associated thrombophilia, whereas three patients (20%) had a diagnosis of migraine headache with aura, by the referring neurologist. Residual shunt was assessed immediately after and 1 month (only in 11 patients) after the procedure by both transcranial Doppler and TEE. RESULTS: Premere PFO devices could be implanted in all patients (20 mm size in seven patients, 25 mm size in eight). Fluoroscopy time was 7.3 +/- 1.9 and procedural time was 11 +/- 3 min (range 7-17 min), reflecting our initial learning curve with this device. No complication occurred during the procedure or at follow-up. A residual shunt was noted immediately after the procedure in eight patients (53%) and at 1 month in 4/11 patients (36%). Residual shunt was mild in all patients. After a median follow-up of 4.2 months (0.2-5.8 months), no patient had a recurrent stroke. All patients with migraine headache with aura had resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience with the Premere PFO occlusion system shows that this device is safe and effective.

Adult↗

Suture-mediated closure of a patent foramen ovale during surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass.

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks due to paradoxical emboli in patients with prior neurological events. We report a case of a surgical suture-mediated of a PFO closure without cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with recurrent cerebral ischemic events, who was intolerant of medical therapy, was a poor candidate for catheter-based PFO closure, and presented as a potentially high risk for poor wound healing from traditional surgical closure.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Transcatheter closure versus medical therapy of patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of device closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) versus antiplatelet therapy in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). BACKGROUND: There are no controlled data to support the therapeutic value of PFO closure with a device compared to medical treatment in patients with CS. METHODS: We performed a nonrandomized, prospective, patient preference case series comparing the recurrence rate in 92 patients with PFO and CS who were treated either with antiplatelet agents (44 patients) or underwent catheter closure (48 patients) using the Amplatzer PFO occluder (APFOO). All patients completed a 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: PFO closure group. Immediate complete closure (CC) was observed in 44/48 (91%) patients. Four (9%) patients had a minimal residual shunt immediately after the procedure. One patient developed hemopericardium that was successfully managed by pericardiocentesis. No other complication was observed. Follow-up. PFO closure group. Contrast bubble study at 6-month follow-up confirmed CC in all 48 patients. No complications were observed. Antiplatelet therapy group. Three (6%) and 6 (13%) patients had a major and minor hemorrhagic event, respectively. The average incidence of embolic events/year was 0 and 14.75% for the PFO closure group and the antiplatelet therapy group, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PFO closure using the APFOO is a rational alternative to medical treatment in patients with CS. Larger randomized clinical trials are required to support the use of this device over the other PFO occluders and medical therapy.

Adult↗

Patent foramen ovale and migraine.

Migraine is a common neurological disorder with a great impact on the quality of life and social activities. The patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an intra-atrial right-to-left shunt with a prevalence of 25% in the general population. An increased prevalence is found in patients with migraine, especially in migraine with aura. Percutaneous PFO closure might decrease the prevalence of migraine. However, most of these observational studies were retrospective without a randomized design and the results need to be interpreted with caution. In this review we describe the association between PFO and migraine and the different pathophysiological hypotheses, which have been proposed to explain this relationship.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

Interatrial septum rupture during balloon measurement of a patent foramen ovale in a young patient presenting cryptogenic stroke.

We report the case of a 36-year-old woman admitted for cryptogenic stroke, in whom the Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) diameter measurement, with a purpose built sizing balloon, performed before the closure procedure, was complicated with the rupture of the inter-atrial septum generating an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) with a significant left-to-right shunt. This kind of complication may not be easy to handle, changing the initial procedural strategy from PFO to ASD closure technique requiring specific material and operator's technical skill.

Adult↗

Patent foramen ovale: standards for a preclinical model of prevalence, structure, and histopathologic comparability to human hearts.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated and standardized a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) preclinical model in gross anatomic and histopathologic features. METHODS: We examined 150 necropsy-derived domestic porcine hearts, age 4-6 months for PFO prevalence, appearance, and size. Histopathologic preparations were standardized and processed identically to 24 post-mortem human hearts aged 16-62 years. A measurement scheme was developed for PFO atrial openings, tunnel length, and histopathologic features to compare porcine and patient hearts. RESULTS: PFO was found in 32 of the 150 porcine hearts (prevalence 21.3%). Twenty-five porcine PFO underwent standard characterization by tunnel length, and right, and left atrial orifice diameters. Logarithmic regression analysis between porcine PFO tunnel length and left atrial orifice area demonstrated a significant positive relationship (P = 0.0162, R(2) = 0.227). The porcine PFO tunnel length was significantly longer than in humans (12.0 +/- 4.0 mm vs. 7.1 +/- 3.1 mm respectively, P < 0.0001). Histopathologic comparison was made using serial sections perpendicular to the atrial septum and the tunnel long axis. Human and porcine PFO lesions demonstrated strong similarities in tissue cells, connective tissue, and matrix composition. CONCLUSIONS: PFO assessment was standardized in both macroscopically and histopathologically, with quantitative and qualitative comparisons feasible using a porcine preclinical model. PFO prevalence in domestic swine is identical to humans, and microscopic structures very similar to humans. The domestic swine PFO model appears useful to evaluate new interventional closure technologies due to comparability in microscopic features. Tunnel length should be carefully evaluated due to differences across pigs and patients.

Adolescent↗

Refractory hypoxemia in inferior myocardial infarction from right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale: a case report and review of the literature.

Right ventricular (RV) infarction is a well-recognized complication of some acute inferior myocardial infarctions. Recently, there have been numerous case reports of RV infarctions complicated by severe refractory hypoxemia secondary to right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale. An additional case missed by transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac catheterization is reported and the English literature on the subject is reviewed.

Aged↗

Percutaneous balloon catheter closure of a patent foramen ovale in a patient with pulmonary disease, profound hypoxemia, and normal right heart pressures.

Right-to-left intracardiac shunting across a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been reported in patients with pulmonary embolism, right ventricular (RV) infarction, positive pressure ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure, heart failure with left ventricular assist devices, cardiac tamponade, and unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. The primary driving force for these shunts is a reduction in the compliance of the pulmonary bed or right ventricle; right atrial pressure is usually elevated and pulmonary hypertension is frequently present. Significant shunting and hypoxemia are unusual in the absence of these diseases. We encountered a patient with normal pulmonary pressures, severe hypoxemia, pulmonary disease, and intracardiac shunting across a PFO in whom it was difficult to determine how great a role intracardiac shunting was playing in his hypoxemia. To assess this, we performed percutaneous balloon catheter occlusion of the PFO, using transthoracic echocardiography with contrast to confirm closure of the PFO. Therapeutic balloon occlusion has been reported in severe hypoxemia due to shunting across a PFO in a patient with RV infarction. Our case is unique, however, in two respects. First, this patient had normal right-sided cardiac pressures and normal RV function and, thus, no obvious driving force for a significant right-to-left shunt. Second, transthoracic echocardiography with contrast was used before and after balloon inflation to confirm closure of the PFO. This technique helped to answer the important clinical question of whether surgical closure of the PFO in this patient with both lung disease and intracardiac shunting would significantly improve his oxygenation.

Adult↗

Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale during a radiofrequency ablation procedure.

A 43-year-old woman was undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of a symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia when a patent foramen ovale (PFO) was detected with passage of the diagnostic electrocatheter into the left atrium. Prior echocardiographic studies had been unrevealing. Upon questioning during the procedure, the patient now admitted to frequent and disabling daily migraine attacks, while her family described two recent brief episodes of disorientation and dysarthria, consistent with transient ischemic attacks. The patient was informed of the option of future closure of the PFO, but she insisted on having this done concurrently with her ablation procedure. After successful ablation of the slow pathway considered responsible for the supraventricular tachycardia, an Amplatzer closure device was utilized and the PFO was successfully closed during the same procedure. A postprocedural transesophageal echocardiogram showed complete sealing of the PFO, while over the ensuing 10 months the patient reported virtual elimination of her daily attacks of migrainous headaches, limited to a single episode the day after the procedure and none thereafter.

Adult↗

Discontinuous-flow plasmapheresis and patent foramen ovale: a possible cause of paradoxical embolism.

A 68-year-old woman was admitted for a subacute polyradiculoneuropathy and submitted to PE. A central right jugular venous access was placed after the third PE procedure due to a failing peripheral blood access. During the fourth PE, performed with a discontinuous-flow system (continuous-flow used for 3 procedures), she developed multiple embolic ischemic lesions in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. A thorough cerebrovascular screening showed only a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In our case, a possible increase of the right atrium blood pressure induced by the positive flux of the discontinuous-flow PE could have been responsible for a paradoxical embolism through the PFO. Plasma exchange (PE) is used in several neurologic disorders. It is commonly thought to be a relatively safe procedure. However, a number of adverse events may occur: paradoxical embolism has not been reported to occur.

Aged↗

Detection of air microbubbles in the internal jugular vein after intravenous injection of contrast agent for the diagnosis of patent foramen ovale.

The use of agitated air and saline, injected intravenously, combined with monitoring of the middle cerebral artery using transcranial Doppler sonography, is an effective method for detecting paradoxic cerebral embolism caused by right-to-left intracardiac shunting. This technique is particularly useful in patients with a patent foramen ovale. In patients without temporal acoustic windows, the method can be modified by using sonographic monitoring of the common carotid artery. Observation of saline-contrast microbubbles in the internal jugular vein during this procedure suggests incompetence of the ipsilateral internal jugular valve. This noninvasive method may thus be useful for studying the competence of the internal jugular valve.

Aged↗

Fetal atrial arrhythmias associated with redundancy/aneurysm of the foramen ovale.

Fetal arrhythmia was investigated in 148 fetuses. Eight of these fetuses displayed signs of redundancy/aneurysm of the foramen ovale, all in combination with various atrial arrhythmias. At presentation 4 (50%) of these fetuses had mild to moderate congestive cardiac failure and a 5th fetus developed mild cardiac failure four weeks after observation of the aneurysm. All fetuses survived, but 2 fetuses required early delivery because of the cardiac failure. Unnecessary morbidity resulting from the possible development of cardiac failure may be prevented by regular monitoring in these cases.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

Foramen ovale changes in growth-restricted fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: In animal experiments hypoxemia induces an increased shunting through the fetal foramen ovale (FO). Based on the hypothesis that the FO is expanded to permit more flow, the aim of this study was to determine the size of the FO in growth-restricted human fetuses. METHODS: Thirty-one women with singleton pregnancies complicated with growth-restriction (< 5th percentile) were examined at 24-39 weeks of gestation. The diameter between the FO valve and the atrial septum was determined during maximum excursion in a horizontal transverse section of the fetal heart, and the transverse diameter of the right atrium (RA) was noted. The pulsatility index (PI) was determined in the umbilical artery (UA) and absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity was noted. The measurements were compared with a reference population using Z-scores. RESULTS: In comparison with normally grown fetuses, the growth-restricted fetuses had a normal RA size (P = 0.08) but a smaller FO (P = 0.002), particularly when expressed as a relative size by the ratio FO/RA (P < 0.0001). This effect on the FO and FO/RA was seen mainly at < 32 weeks of gestation (P = 0.003 and P < 0.0001, respectively), and was not significant later in pregnancy. There was a tendency towards a negative relationship between relative size of the FO (FO/RA) and progressive placental compromise (overall P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Growth-restricted fetuses maintain a normally grown heart (expressed by the RA diameter) but a reduced FO diameter. The effect is seen before 32 weeks and tends to be more marked in fetuses with pronounced hemodynamic compromise of the placenta. This supports the theory that FO shunting is impaired in severely premature fetuses with placental compromise.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

Multiple contact foramen ovale electrode in the presurgical evaluation of epileptic patients for selective amygdala-hippocampectomy.

For stereo-EEG evaluation of patients suffering from drug resistant mesiobasal temporal lobe epilepsy a method is described to place multi-contact electrodes percutaneously through the foramen ovale near the brain stem and medial surface of the temporal lobe. The experience with 41 cases is reported. In 28 of them a unilateral well localized focus could be identified. All of them were treated by selective amygdala-hippocampectomy according to Wieser and Yaşargil. During follow-up for at least one year 22 of patients were seizure-free. An additional 5 had a reduction of seizure frequency. Complications were subarachnoid haemorrhage in one case, transient hypaesthesia in another, and transient herpes simplex of the lips in 7 cases.

Amygdala↗

Dumb-bell schwannoma of the jugular foramen.

This case represents the youngest patient recorded with a jugular foramen schwannoma and the first report of the classic 'dumb-bell' configuration of this tumor in a child. The case illustrates the importance of excluding an intracranial component when these tumors present as a swelling in the neck.

Accessory Nerve↗

Dumb-bell sarcoma of the foramen jugulare with syringomyelia. A radio-induced tumour?

The clinicopathological findings of a 50-year-old man, who developed cervicothoracic syringomyelia at the age of 25 are presented. He was given radiation therapy at the age of 33. At the age of 57 he developed a foramen jugulare syndrome on the left, caused by a low grade leiomyosarcoma. Etiologically, the most attractive hypothesis appears to be that the tumour was induced by radiation therapy administered 24 years previously.

Adult↗