A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a frequent remnant of embryological development with clinical importance in thromboembolism, paradoxical embolism, stroke, platypnea-orthodeoxia, decompression sickness, and migraine headache. The proposed mechanisms of stroke with PFO include paradoxical embolization, in situ thrombosis within the canal of the PFO, associated atrial arrhythmias, and concomitant ...

The presence of a patent foramen ovale has been found to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke of otherwise unknown origin (cryptogenic stroke). The present article will review the evidence regarding this association, the technical aspects of PFO detection, and the preventive options to decrease the risk of recurrent cerebral events.

TELEMENTORING USING GOOGLE GLASS Using a wearable computer, known as “Google Glass,” physicians at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Drs. Barry Uretsky, Abdul Hakeem, and Christian Assad-Kottner (Fig.1) performed an interventional patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure procedure with the assistance of a congenital heart expert, Dr Eudice Fontenot, of the Arkansas Children’s Ho...