Pfo Closure

[Bazile]

In case no one goes back to the original question

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question1303387.html

When the procedure was carried out , we were told by the Consultant that it was the recomended treatment .

Now , a Consultant at the hospital has intimated that they dont carry out this procedure now - they treat an event ( which they think may be because of a PFO,) with medication.

The patient in question is now worried that the procedure , may cause problems in the future .

So is the general consensus among the medical community now, that this procedure could cause future problem ; or is opinion divided .?

Should the patient be worried ?

[slaney]

I wouldn't worry too much.

You don't say what symptoms your relative had prior to the operation.

It is still performed in certain circumstances, and most of the morbidity you mentioned in your first NICE link would be associated with the operation itself, rather than any future problems.

This link seems to be up to date - December 2013

http://publications.nice.org.uk/percutaneous-closure-of-patent-foramen-ovale-to-prevent-recurrent-cerebral-embolic-events-ifpip472

"This procedure is safe enough and works well enough for use in the NHS.
Some serious complications are possible, but these are rare."

"NICE said that the procedure is at least as effective as drug treatment for preventing stroke and transient ischaemic attack, and may be even more effective"

[Bazile]

thanks for responding