Local experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina on efficacy and safety of closure of patent foramen ovale: a cross-sectional study

CRIPPA, DIEGO ; POLITI, MARIA TERESA; IZCOVICH, EDGARDO

Las Vegas

Congreso; Pediatric and adults interventional cardiac symposium 2015 (PICS-AICS); 2015

Pediatric and adults interventional cardiac symposium 2015 (PICS-AICS) Foundation

AbstractBackground: The role of closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke is currently under review. Information on regional experience in Latin America and on local experience in Argentina is lacking. We conducted a study is to describe the experience of a single interventional cardiology group from the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina regarding the efficacy and safety of closure of PFO in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study we retrospectively collected data through a structured telephone survey applied to patients registered in a database who had undergone closure of PFO due to cryptogenic stroke or TIA performed by a single interventional cardiology group between October 2012 and April 2014. The primary efficacy end point was recurrent cerebrovascular events (stroke or TIA) after the procedure. Safety end points were classified as device-related (endocarditis, embolization or fracture) or procedure-related (palpitations, arrhythmias or dyspnea). Descriptive statistics were used. Results: 30 patients completed the telephone survey. Median age was 54.5 years old (IQR 42-65.2). Most patients were under 65 years old (73.3%) and were female (53.3%). The main septal occluder devices used were Nit-Occlud® (43.3%) and Cardia® (36.6%). During a median follow-up of 16.7 months (IQR 9.2-24.7) there were no reports on cerebrovascular events (stroke or TIA) or device-related cardiologic complications. Procedure-related cardiovascular complications where reported in 26% of patients, being the most frequent palpitations (13%) and arrhythmias (10%).Conclusions: This study indicates that closure of PFO due to cryptogenic stroke or TIA performed by a single interventional cardiology group in the city of Buenos Aires is relatively safe and effective.