Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure services offered in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City and Riverview, FL

One in four people have a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and never know about it because it doesn’t cause problems. But for some, a PFO leads to blood clots, and that’s when they need a patent foramen ovale closure performed by the exceptional team at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute. Although a PFO is a hole inside your heart, the condition is more likely to cause kidney disease or a stroke. Call the office in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Wesley Chapel, Plant City, or Riverview, Florida, to learn more or schedule an appointment online for a diagnostic heart exam.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Q&A

When would I need patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure?

Patent foramen ovale, or PFO, is a small opening between the heart’s upper chambers (the left and right atria). In a healthy heart, a thin tissue separates the chambers, preventing blood from flowing between them. A PFO lets blood travel between the chambers, allowing any blood clots in the right side to travel into the left side and, from there, out to your body. The clot may block blood vessels anywhere in your body, but the consequences are especially dangerous if it stops blood flow in your brain or kidneys. Though it’s rare, a PFO may let a large amount of blood flow into the left side. As a result, the blood bypasses your lungs, and your heart pumps oxygen-depleted blood to your body instead of oxygen-rich blood. Everyone is born with a PFO because it enables circulation in the fetus. The opening should close naturally, but that doesn’t always happen. Adults can end up needing a minimally invasive procedure to close the opening.

Will I have symptoms with a patent foramen ovale?

A patent foramen ovale alone doesn’t cause symptoms. You’ll only have signs if a clot blocks one of your blood vessels. For example, you may have a stroke if the clot gets into an artery serving your brain. Or you’ll develop signs of kidney disease (itchy skin, swollen feet, and frequent trips to the bathroom) if the clot affects essential blood vessels in your kidneys. PFOs are often detected when patients need an echocardiogram for heart symptoms unrelated to the PFO or an MRI to diagnose another health problem.

What happens during a patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure?

Your Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute provider performs a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure to close the hole. They insert a long, narrow catheter into a blood vessel in your groin, guide it to your heart, and position it near the PFO. Then, they release a tiny device from the catheter and secure it in the opening, effectively blocking the hole. For most patients, closing the PFO is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day and can return to your daily routine (except for avoiding strenuous activities). Call Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute or use the online booking feature today to schedule an appointment and learn if your symptoms are caused by PFO.

Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Services

We offer comprehensive diagnostic and preventive heart and vein care, ensuring every patient receives accurate evaluation and effective treatment.

Interventional Cardiology

We specialize in minimally invasive procedures that open blocked arteries and restore proper blood flow, improving heart function and patient outcomes.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Our experts diagnose and treat narrowed or blocked vessels outside the heart, enhancing circulation and reducing pain in the legs and extremities.

Coronary Artery Disease

We provide advanced care to manage plaque buildup in coronary arteries, improving oxygen flow to the heart and preventing serious cardiac events.

Valvular Heart Disease

Our specialists assess and treat valve disorders to restore normal heart rhythm and ensure efficient blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system.

Hypertension

We offer personalized management for high blood pressure through medication, diet, and lifestyle adjustments to protect your heart and arteries.

Congestive Heart Failure

Comprehensive treatment plans help strengthen heart function, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life for patients with heart failure.

High Cholesterol

We focus on preventing heart disease through cholesterol management programs that combine medication, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle coaching.

Heart Palpitations

Our team evaluates irregular or rapid heartbeats with advanced diagnostic tools to identify causes and develop effective treatment strategies.

Arrhythmias

We diagnose and manage heart rhythm abnormalities using state-of-the-art monitoring and therapies that help maintain a steady, healthy heartbeat.

Atrial Fibrillation

We offer cutting-edge care for atrial fibrillation, using medication and minimally invasive procedures to restore normal rhythm and prevent stroke.

Syncope

Our specialists investigate fainting episodes to determine underlying cardiovascular causes and provide treatment to prevent future occurrences.

Echocardiogram

This non-invasive ultrasound test gives detailed images of your heart’s structure and function, helping us assess heart health and detect conditions early.

Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test

We use advanced imaging to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle, identifying areas of reduced circulation or damage with high precision.

Venous Disorders and Management

We diagnose and treat varicose veins, deep vein issues, and other venous conditions to restore comfort, improve circulation, and prevent complications.

Holter Monitor

A portable Holter device records your heart’s activity over 24–48 hours, allowing accurate detection of rhythm irregularities in real-life settings.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, replacing damaged valves to improve blood flow and overall heart performance.

MitraClip Procedure

We perform MitraClip therapy to treat mitral valve regurgitation, improving heart efficiency and reducing symptoms without the need for surgery.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Interventions

Our specialists use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to dissolve clots, relieve pain, and prevent long-term vein damage from DVT.

Pulmonary Embolism Interventions

We offer rapid diagnosis and targeted treatments to remove or dissolve clots in the lungs, restoring breathing and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Watchman Device Implantation

This innovative procedure reduces stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients by closing the left atrial appendage and eliminating long-term anticoagulants.

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

We implant pacemakers to regulate slow or irregular heartbeats, restoring proper rhythm and improving daily function and energy levels.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

Our ICD implantation helps prevent sudden cardiac arrest by detecting dangerous rhythms and automatically delivering corrective electrical pulses.