Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale to prevent recurrent cerebral embolic events

The Committee noted that the evidence showed percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale to be at least as efficacious as medical therapy for preventing recurrent cerebral embolic events, and possibly more efficacious. It considered that use of the procedure, in patients for whom it would be clinically appropriate, should be strongly influenced by patient choice, taking into the consideration the risks and benefits compared with long-term anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication.

The Committee noted that there was variation in the use of adjunctive antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication after the procedure in the published studies. It considered that there are still uncertainties about whether these medications are beneficial and, if so, how long therapy should continue.