Sustained risk of recurrent thromboembolic events in patients with patent foramen ovale and paradoxical embolism: long-term follow-up over more than 15 years

Background Patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic stroke are at risk of recurrence. Therapeutic regimens range from no treatment to anticoagulation treatment to surgical or interventional closure. However, long-term follow-up is only available for up to 4 years.