Question 1

what is different between pfo and ostium secundum atrial septal defect?

Accepted Answer

Size: Location is essentially same.
Patent foramen ovale- pfo is small and a flap may intermittently cover, 
asd secundum is at foramen ovale and always open and variable in size.
Asd primum is higher, may be larger and include superior pulmonary vein anomaly.

Question 2

what is the difference between pfo and pda?

Accepted Answer

Both congenital defe: Pfo is when the right atrium and left atrium communicate through a congenital foramen or " hole" . The passage between the 2 chambers is neccessary before birth so the baby can get oxygenated blood from its mom. When this fails to close(up to 20%), its called a patent foramen ovale.The ductus arteriosus connects the aorta and pulmonary artey . It usually closes after birth, if it doesnt its a pda.

Question 3

what is the difference between pfo and pda in a baby?

Accepted Answer

Location: The pfo is a hole between the upper heart chambers that likely has a flap cover it in most cases but it can be plied open. The PDA is a bypass circuit that allows the fetal blood to bypass the lungs until air breathing starts. It is physically located above & to the left of the heart & joins two main heart vessels.

Question 4

i was told i got a pfo what is it and when does it have to get closed or does it have to be closed. and is it bad what will the heart doctor do?

Accepted Answer

Small hole in heart: A PFO is a "patent foramen ovale." it is a hole that remained open in your heart when it should have closed after birth. Many times, it is harmless, but sometimes, it can cause serious heart and breathing problems. That should be looked at in detail, and one way can be with a test called a "bubble echo." i would see a heart specialist.

Question 5

how long does it take to repair a pfo?

Accepted Answer

Few hours: Depending on many factors, the surgery probably take 1.5 to 2.5 hrs.

Question 6

what does a thinned ias with possible pfo mean?

Accepted Answer

Observation: This suggests the IAS or intra-atrial septum(wall) is thin, and there is a PFO= Patient (open) foramen ovale, which is a normal window between the upper heart chambers. The FO is usually covered by a flap that closes when the pressure on the left side is higher than the right. What this means for you or the person under study should be explained by whoever ordered the study.

Question 7

should a pfo/asd be closed in adult?

Accepted Answer

PFO: Sometimes is the best answer that i can give now.  If there is significant flow across the pfo then it should be closed, or if there has been evidence that blood clots have crossed the opening then it should be closed.  This can be done at a specialized center with a catheter based procedure.

Question 8

how life threatening is having a pfo?

Accepted Answer

Zero to bad!: 25% of us have a pfo and obviously most of us do fine.  However i operated on a young lady yesterday (for a related condition) who was in severe congestive heart failure, mostly resolved by closing her pfo.  Closure (if deemed necessary by a cardiologist) can often be achieved with catheter-based technology (amplatzer plug) rather than open-heart surgery.

Question 9

what does it mean if the echo showed pfo?

Accepted Answer

Patent foramen ovale: A patent foramen ovale (pfo) is a common type of atrial septal defect, which means there is a small hole in the wall separating the right atrium from the left atrium. Small pfos are usually inconsequential, whereas larger ones may require treatment.

Question 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

What is PFO

A member asked:

What is different between pfo and ostium secundum atrial septal defect?

A member asked:

What is the difference between pfo and pda?

A member asked:

What is the difference between pfo and pda in a baby?

A member asked:

I was told i got a pfo what is it and when does it have to get closed or does it have to be closed. and is it bad what will the heart doctor do?

A member asked:

How long does it take to repair a pfo?

A member asked:

What does a thinned ias with possible pfo mean?

A member asked:

Should a pfo/asd be closed in adult?

A member asked:

How life threatening is having a pfo?

A member asked:

What does it mean if the echo showed pfo?

A member asked:

How is pfo (patent foramen ovale) treated?

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