Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure

PFO closure is a relatively straightforward outpatient procedure, which is performed under general anaesthetic.

Your cardiologist will begin by putting a small probe called a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) probe down your throat. It will remain in place until the procedure is complete. The probe shows moving images of your heart that tell the cardiologist whether they can close the PFO. 

Once it is established that the flap can be repaired, your cardiologist will insert a catheter (thin, flexible tube) into a vein in your groin and up to your heart. A small balloon inside the catheter measures the flap opening’s exact size so that the most appropriate device can be chosen to close it.

Your cardiologist will place the closure device inside the catheter and guide it into position with the help of the TOE. When the device is in place, your surgeon will open it to release 2 umbrella-shaped discs on either side that plug the opening of the flap – effectively sealing it up.

Immediately after your cardiologist has completed the closure, you’ll rest for a few hours before returning home. We may give you anticoagulant medication to take for several months afterwards. 

Undergoing PFO closure treatment has many potential benefits. Primarily, it can save your life if your PFO is causing strokes because it prevents the blood supply to your brain from being cut off. 

Other benefits include: 

• reduced risk of blood clots passing through the PFO and moving to your brain

• elimination of the possible serious side effects of long-term anticoagulant use

• no scarring due to using minimally invasive techniques

• low-risk of complications and minimal side effects

Learn more about patients’ experiences of having a PFO closure on the Different Strokes website, and watch one of our consultants, Dr Iqbal Malik, performing a PFO closure on YouTube.

PFO closure is a safe procedure. However, like any medical procedure, complications can occur. 

In PFO closures, complications happen in around 1% of people and may include: 

• bleeding, bruising or vein injury in the groin where the surgeon inserted the catheter

• heart palpitations (these usually settle within the first few weeks of the procedure)

Very rarely, complications may include: 

• internal bleeding during the procedure, which very infrequently might need emergency surgery

• stroke caused by a blood clot passing through the heart (rare)

At Welbeck, our dedicated team will happily answer your questions about the procedure and ensure you receive all the information you need before your appointment.

To be fully prepared for your appointment, tell us which medications you take and any other conditions you may have. Don’t stop taking your usual medicines unless your consultant tells you otherwise. 

You may have to fast for specific hours, which a team member will confirm before your appointment.

After a PFO closure, you’ll be monitored for a few hours before going home the same day. 

Expect some mild groin bruising or soreness and make sure to keep the puncture site clean and dry, and avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, or swimming for about a week

Light walking is encouraged. Most people return to work and driving within a week, depending on how they feel. You’ll be prescribed blood-thinning medication to take for several months. 

Follow-up appointments and echocardiograms will check device position and healing. Seek urgent help if you develop chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, fever, leg swelling, or neurological symptoms.

Please contact our Heart Health centre for pricing.

We have a committed, highly experienced team of cardiologists and consultants who will be by your side from the moment you get in touch. We provide ongoing support that doesn’t end when you return home. We’re here to help you protect your cardiovascular health and ensure you have long-term care. 

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book PFO closure, you must be referred by either your GP or a cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this procedure.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a cardiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.