Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · Jan 2010
Case ReportsThrombus entrapped in a patent foramen ovale: a potential source of pulmonary and systemic embolism.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) occurs in up to 30% of the population, making it the most common site for intra-cardiac shunting. The passage of thrombus across a PFO is typically transient, thus is rarely proven. ⋯ Management options include surgical thrombectomy with PFO closure, thrombolysis and systemic anticoagulation. The role of percutaneous PFO closure devices for secondary prevention of thromboembolic complications is currently under investigation.