Characteristics of AF episode and neurological events post-PFO closure
| AF episode after PFO closure | n (%) |
|---|---|
| Total number of patients with AF episode post closure | 13 (6.0) |
| Age (years) (mean±SD) | 56±13 |
| Periprocedural AF (<48 hours) | 6 (2.8) |
| AF in the first year (not periprocedural) | 4 (1.8) |
| AF at late follow-up (>1 year) | 3 (1.5) |
| Stroke as initial diagnosis in AF at late follow-up | 2/3 (66.7) |
| TIA as initial diagnosis in AF at late follow-up | 1/3 (33.3) |
| Stroke or TIA recurrence after PFO closure | n (%) |
| Total number of patients with neurological event | 9 (4.1) |
| Stroke or TIA recurrence during the first year | 6 (2.7) |
| New ischaemic lesion at MRI | 4 (1.8) |
| Days between PFO closure and cerebral recurrence (mean±SD) | 294±233 |
| Mild residual shunt at Valsalva in patients with recurrence | 8 (88.9) |
Data are presented as n (%), unless otherwise indicated.
AF, atrial fibrillation; PFO, patent foramen ovale; TIA, transient ischaemic attack.