PFO Closure Can Be Associated With Significant Risk of AF

Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present in 25% of the general population. It has been named the culprit in ischemic stroke in a segment of the population, and it is, most of the time, an incidental finding in patients with ischemic stroke aged <60 years. Closure of the PFO has been advocated as a measure to decrease the incidence of recurrence after an ischemic stroke. Several clinical trials have shown a decrease in stroke recurrence in a limited subgroup of patients in whom a PFO was closed. Closure of PFO is not without risk. The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after PFO closure has been reported to be as high as 11.9%. Nevertheless, implantable loop recorders (ILRs) were not used in these studies post-PFO closure. Objective: To use the more rigorous AF evaluation and follow-up protocol developed by the Memorial Healthcare System Heart Brain team to determine the true incidence of post-PFO closure AF. Design: Single-institution, retrospective, observational stud more...