Details.
Percutaneous transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in predominantly 18 to 60 year old patients with cryptogenic stroke due to presumed paradoxical embolism, following evaluation by a neurologist and cardiologist to exclude known causes of ischemic stroke. The procedure uses fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography under light or conscious sedation and local anesthesia. Patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day on a single antiplatelet agent.