Interventional PFO closure. Consensus document of the German Workgroup of Interventional Cardiology (AGIK) of the German Cardiac Society (DGK) in cooperation with the German Society of Neurology (DGN) and the German Stroke Foundation (DSG)

Almost every second patient with cryptogenic stroke has apatent foramen ovale (PFO). This consensus document firstly provides an evidence-based overview on the diagnostics of PFO, current studies, interventional closure, and medical therapy in terms of platelet aggregation inhibitors and anticoagulation. Secondly, the risk-benefit balance of interventional versus antithrombotic therapy with and without oral anticoagulants in patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO is discussed based on recent findings of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. Ultimately, the consented recommendations and levels thereof are indicated. The published data demonstrate the superiority of interventional PFO closure. There is asignificant reduction of recurrent strokes in patients with an interventional PFO closure device compared to medical therapy. The complication rate of the interventional therapy is low and particularly younger patients with cryptogenic stroke benefit from interventional PFO closure. In summary, interventional PFO closure is superior to medical treatment in patients with cryptogenic stroke aged <60years.