A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the wall that that separates the heart’s two upper chambers (atria). All babies have this opening (called a foramen ovale) before birth to allow blood to bypass the lungs. Shortly after birth, the tissue usually grows together and closes the hole.

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a frequent incidental finding during echocardiography in otherwise healthy children. In most healthy children with a diagnosis of isolated incidental PFO, no further follow-up or intervention is necessary.

Oct 25, 2022 · As a baby grows in the womb, an opening called the foramen ovale (foh-RAY-mun oh-VAY-lee) sits between the upper heart chambers. It typically closes during infancy. When the foramen ovale doesn't close, it's called a patent foramen ovale. Most people never need treatment for patent foramen ovale.

Sep 26, 2023 · The American Heart Association explains patent foramen ovale (PFO) or hole in the heart, which affects millions of people and can cause a stroke. Learn more.

The foramen ovale is a normal opening between the upper two chambers of an unborn baby’s heart. It usually closes soon after the baby’s birth — when it doesn't, it's called a patent foramen ovale.

Sep 12, 2022 · Patent foramen ovale (PFO) occurs when a remnant of normal fetal anatomy abnormally persists into adulthood. It represents a benign finding in the newborn periods. If PFO persists into adulthood, it usually leads to right-to-left shunting of deoxygenated blood, which can be symptomatic or asymptomatic.

Aug 27, 2024 · Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a small, flap-like opening in the wall between the right and left atria of the heart. During fetal development, this opening allows blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs.

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an opening between the upper two chambers of the heart that doesn’t close as it should, usually six to 12 months after birth. A PFO usually causes no problems. If a newborn has congenital heart defects, the foramen ovale is more likely to stay open, which can be helpful to the baby’s condition.

Jul 15, 2022 · Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is when you have a small flap or opening between the upper right and left chambers (atria) of your heart. Everyone has this opening, called a foramen ovale, before birth. In most people, this closes after birth.

Patent foramen ovale occurs when a normal opening in a baby's heart, which usually closes soon after birth, remains open. Read about our expert care.