Initial experience with a transcatheter septal closure system for secondary stroke prevention in patients with interatrial septal defects.

Background: Percutaneous transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been utilized over the last several years to prevent thromboembolic events in selected patients with a prior cryptogenic stroke. We describe our initial experience at Hartford Hospital with a transcatheter PFO closure system and our multidisciplinary approach.

Methods: From March to November 2002, we performed percutaneous transcatheter closure of a PFO in 16 patients with a prior history of cryptogenic stroke(s) and/or transient ischemic attack using the CardioSEAL Septal Occluder system.