Current Dataset for Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in Cryptogenic Stroke: Randomized Clinical Trials and Observational Studies.

Approximately one-third of all strokes have no apparent cause. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present in as many as 60% of these patients with cryptogenic strokes, which is significantly more frequent than that of the general population. The presumed biologic mechanisms of ischemic stroke in the setting of a PFO are paradoxic embolism from the peripheral venous system through this interatrial shunt or embolism from in situ thrombosis. In this review, the authors summarize and critically assess the contemporary studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of PFO closure for prevention of recurrent cryptogenic strokes.