Question 1

what is the definition or description of: foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

A normal structure..: ...In newborns, it allows proper circulation in the fetus by shunting blood coming from the mother's placenta to the left side of the baby's heart, which is pumped immediately out to the body.  Nearly all infants have this structure still open when they are born, which usually close within weeks to months after birth. A small percentage of adults still can have an open foramen ovale, however.

Question 2

what are the symptoms of patent foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

Mostly asymptomatic: A patent foramen ovale is a common developmental anomaly and is usually asymptomatic, if there are no other cardiac abnormalities.  It does predispose the person to an uncommon event called paradoxical embolism where a venous embolus crosses over to the arterial side.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of ventricular foramen ovale problems?

Accepted Answer

Foramen Ovale: A foramen ovale (pfo) is a small hole between the two upper chambers of the heart.  It exists as part of the "fetal circulation, " when babies are inside, lungs are full of amniotic fluid.  The pfo allows oxygenated blood returning from the placenta to cross into the left atrium.

Pfos usually close, however if they do not there is a very small risk for a stroke or tia.
Most people have no symptoms.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: patent foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

Hole: Hole or communication between right and left atria, the upper heart chambers. The hole is open during fetal circulation and closes after birth. If it remains open it is termed a patent foramen ovale. Symptoms depend on its size.

Question 5

what is the foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

Foramen ovale: In the heart the foramen ovale is described by this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foramen_ovale_%28heart%29

there is also a 'foramen ovale' in the brain

Question 6

foramen ovale does not close - what are the consequences?

Accepted Answer

Usually nothing: 20-25% of all adults have pfo. Most live thier entire lives without problems related to the pfo. Some people have strokes that are thought to be related to pfo, and it has also been associated with migraine headahces and decompression illness in scuba divers. There is no evidence to indicate that pfo should be treated unless a person has problems thought to be directly related to the pfo.

Question 7

foramen ovale does not seal - what are the results of this?

Accepted Answer

Normal: Probably about 20% of adults have a probe patent foramen ovale (pfo.)  in the great majority of these people it appears that there are no consequences. Pfo has been implicated in causation of strokes or migraine headaches in some patients, but the data on this is conflicting, and the best treatment, if this is occurring, is unclear.  Pfo without symptoms does not require special care.

Question 8

foramen ovale does not seal - what are the consequences for baby?

Accepted Answer

Likely nothing: Following birth there are changes in the heart and blood vessels.  The ductus arteriosis which shunts blood away from the lungs, closes, as does the ductus venosis, the foramen ovale which is a normal hole in the upper chambers of the heart which sends oxygenated blood returning from the placenta also closes, but this happens over time as it functions as a valve.   Rarely these have to be closed.

Question 9

whats a patent foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

Small heart opening: It is an opening in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart that allows blood from the placenta to get to where it needs to go during fetal life. All babies are born with this. It usually closes after birth, but 20% of all adults still have this. It is normal, though it has been associated with stroke, migraine headach, and decompression illness in scuba divers.

Question 10

what is a patent foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

A hole in the heart: A patent foramen ovale (pfo) is a necessary hole between two upper chambers of the heart. This hole allows fetal blood circulation to occurr. Once the baby is born, circulation changes, the hole closes to allow normal post natal human circulatuin pathway. It remains open in a small number of patients and is usually asymptomatic.

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Foramen of ovale

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What is the definition or description of: foramen ovale?

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