Periprocedural Outcomes of Fluoroscopy-Guided Patent Foramen Ovale Closure with Selective Use of Intracardiac Echocardiography

Abstract Background Recent randomized trials have confirmed the role of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in the secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke. Guidelines have suggested a central role for intraprocedural imaging using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). However, this modality may not be required to achieve safe and effective closure. We aimed to retrospectively examine the periprocedural outcomes of PFO closure using fluoroscopic guidance in patients with cryptogenic stroke, with provisional ICE guidance driven by anatomical and procedural factors. Methods A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent PFO closure in a single center using the Amplatzer PFO occluder for cryptogenic stroke was conducted. Outcomes analyzed included procedural data, periprocedural complications, length of stay and factors contributing to the use of intraprocedural imaging. Results Between 2006 and 2017, 467 patients underwent PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke with the Amplatzer PFO occluder, of which 381 patients underwent closure with fluoroscopy alone and 86 with ICE and fluoroscopic guidance. Periprocedural arrhythmic complications occurred in 1.3% in the fluoroscopy group and 1.2% in the ICE group (p=1.000). Vascular complications occurred in 0.5% in the fluoroscopy group and 2.3% (p=0.323) in the ICE group. One device embolized requiring surgical intervention. There was no in-hospital mortality or stroke. Same day discharge occurred in 97.6% of patients. Conclusion Our single centre experience suggests that PFO closure can be safely conducted under fluoroscopic guidance alone with provisional adjunctive ICE use limited to specific anatomical situations.