Patent Foramen Ovale Closure for Cryptogenic Stroke

Abstract This chapter appraises a landmark neurology/cardiology trial. Does patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure prevent recurrent stroke in patients with cryptogenic stroke? The REDUCE trial demonstrated that PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy reduced recurrent stroke risk (1.4% vs. 5.4% with antiplatelets alone) over 3.2 years. Atrial fibrillation was more common post-closure but often transient. Criticisms include industry funding and open-label design. The trial solidified PFO closure as a viable option for select patients, reshaping guidelines for secondary stroke prevention.