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

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 3

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 4

how is pfo (patent foramen ovale) treated?

Accepted Answer

Usually ignored: This is considered an innocent variation in the formation of the heart that is compatible with a normal lifespan without heart problems & requires no intervention.

Question 5

how to correct patent foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

Usually nothing: A pfo is a remnant of the fetal circulation--everyone is born with this small flap in the wall between the 2 upper heart chambers. For most people this flap eventually fuses shut, but for some it never closes. 10-20% of people are walking around with a pfo and need no treatment or intervention. In the rare cases where it needs to be closed, a catheterization procedure can close it w/o surgery.

Question 6

how common is a patent foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

Common: All infants have a patent foramen ovale (pfo) as a fetus. This allows the fetal circulation to flow. Once born the pfo will close as the concentratiojn of oxygen in the blood rises. In a small percentage of infants the pfo may persist. Figures on this occurrence vary from 10-15%. Rarely is any treatment required unless the blood flow is severely affected. Most close within 1-2 years of birth.

Question 7

when do you close a patent foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

If having symptoms: Condition very common.  Usually closure only if having symptoms especially symptoms of stroke or what is called TIA which is a lack of oxygen to the brain.  This would mean the defect is causing clots.  Probably not even closure then if you can take blood thinners.  If there is some reason blood thinners cannot be taken then that is when closure done.  New methods do not require opening chest. Drj.

Question 8

please list patent foramen ovale symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Usually none: About 20% of all adults have pfo. Most people never have symptoms. Pagtent foramen ovale has been associated with cryptogenic stroke (a stroke thought to come from a small clot passing across the pfo from the right side of the heart to the left), migraine headaches, and decompression illness in scuba divers.

Question 9

how do you repair a patent ?foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Most patent foramen ovales (pfo) do not have to be repaired. However if repair is indicated due to failure or respiratory issues, it would require open median sternotomy and probably 5-6 days in the hospital. This of course depends on the age of the patient.

Question 10

what are the tests for patent foramen ovale?

Accepted Answer

Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart, called an echocardiogram, can detect patent foramen ovale - which, incidentally, is present in about a fourth of normal hearts and not always a cause for concern.

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What is the definition or description of: foramen ovale?

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