PFO or Patent Foramen Ovale is a valve like opening between the upper chambers of the heart. It is normally open in the fetal life, but later closes in the majority of adults.  Approximately 30% of adults have an open PFO. In some cases, blood or clots can cross from the right atrium to the left atrium, which can cause strokes. In these cases, occlusion of the opening could be used as a preventive therapy against strokes.

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