Running Head: Rare Embolization of a PFO Occluder Device
Authors: Luca Allievi1,*, MD; Amedeo Bongarzoni2, MD; Guido Tassinario2, MD; Stefano Carugo1, MD.
1Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
2Department of Cardiology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy.
*Corresponding author: Luca Allievi, MD, Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Sforza 35, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy, Phone: 0039-0255033517, E-mail:luca.allievi@unimi.it, Fax: none.
Abstract: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital defect in adults; its closure with an occluder device is usually a safe procedure. However, a rare and potentially fatal complication is the device embolization. We report a case of a 52-year-old man with bicuspid aortic valve and surgically corrected aortic coarctation in which a PFO occluder device migrated to the abdominal aorta. We recommend paying attention to the risk factors before the intervention (PFO characteristics and multiple congenital defects) and to the clinical-echocardiographic follow-up, to prevent, recognize and treat this severe complication as soon as possible.
Keywords : aorta coarctation; patent foramen ovale; atrial septal aneurysm (ASA); transcatheter closure device; bicuspid aortic valve; echocardiography.