European heart journal
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European heart journal · Nov 2013
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyPatent foramen ovale transcatheter closure vs. medical therapy on recurrent vascular events: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
In patients with cryptogenic stroke, transcatheter (TC) closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has not been shown to better prevent recurrent vascular events than medical therapy. However, randomized controlled trials (RCT) to date have included few vascular events, and lack of power has been raised as an important concern. ⋯ These results suggest that in patients with cryptogenic stroke, TC PFO closure may be beneficial in reducing the risk of recurrent vascular events when compared to medical treatment. The benefit of TC PFO closure may be greater in patients with a substantial shunt.