Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a defect in the wall (the septum) between the heart’s two atriums. It is present in
everyone before birth, but seals shut in all but 25% of babies. Unless a child has other heart defects, a PFO may never
need to be treated.

What is a patent foramen ovale (PFO)?

A foramen ovale is a small flap in the septum (wall) between the two upper chambers of the heart (the right and left
atrium). It is present while a fetus is in the mother’s womb and is a normal stage of development. While in the womb,
blood travels through veins from one side of the heart to the other through the foramen ovale. The blood does not need
to pass through the fetus’s lungs to pick up oxygen because the mother delivers oxygen-rich blood to the fetus through
the umbilical cord.

Normally, the foramen ovale closes shortly after birth and is subsequently completely sealed off. If the foramen ovale
does not seal properly, the condition is called a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

What causes a patent foramen ovale?

Although a PFO is present in everyone before birth, it seals shut in about 75 to 80% of babies soon after birth. In the
other 25%, the PFO remains open. There is no clear reason why PFO remains open in some people.

What are the symptoms of a patent foramen ovale in a child?

Usually, a PFO does not cause symptoms.

How is a patent foramen ovale (PFO) diagnosed in a child?

In most cases, there is no need to diagnose a PFO. However, a PFO can be found during tests used to diagnose other
heart problems. One such test is an echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to view the heart’s internal structures.
It can also see the direction and speed of blood flow through the heart. One specific test used to diagnose a PFO is called
a bubble test. In this test, a salt water solution is shaken until bubbles form. Next, the solution is injected into a vein. If
bubbles are seen moving between the right and left atrium during an echocardiogram, a PFO is likely present.

How is a patent foramen ovale (PFO) treated?

Unless a child has other heart defects, a PFO may never need to be treated. If the newborn has other heart defects
requiring surgery, the PFO may be sealed during surgery. The flap can either be stitched shut or sealed with a device
which can be deliver through the vein in the groin.

Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11626-patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-in-children