Looking for Stroke Patients over 70 who had a PFO Closure.

Posted by waynen @waynen, Nov 7, 2023

This past April I had a blood clot in my left posterior lobe resulting in a stroke. I'm 78 but with no obvious condition for generating the clot. My cardiologist conducted a transesophageal echocardiogram and found a PFO or hole between my upper chambers of my heart. He referred me to a specialized at the cardiology department for the Oregon Health Science University specialist and a neurologist to determine if the hole should be closed. The information that I've read about PFO Closures indicate it will reduce the chance of a 2nd stroke, but patients over 60 have a chance of getting Afib.
My neurologist and cardiologist specialist are waffling about whether it should be done. The cardiologist wanted the neurologist to make the decision. The neurologist initially decided we should proceed and we sent December 13 for the procedure. She is now not sure if we should do it and treat it with medication. She hasn't been able to discuss it with the cardiologist.
In the meantime, I'm trying to gather additional information regarding how well the procedure has worked with people closer to my age. I've been part of another forum on prostrate cancer and have learned a lot from other people going through the same condition that I had. I thought this forum might have others who also are going through my same experience and can share their experiences and advise.
I look forward to hearing from others and hope they are having successful recoveries.
Wayne

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Bonniewhite56 | @bonniewhite56 | Mar 25 9:26am

Which mayo did you have PFO repair

waynen | @waynen | Mar 25 3:20pm

I didn't have it done. My Cardiologist and Neurologist (not from Mayo) both felt I shouldn't do it. I've had a heart monitor, called a loop, implanted on my chest to check long-term for afib. They think it was more likely the cause of my blood clot. It's almost a year since the clot and no recurrence. We take it one day at a time.

21amy | @21amy | Mar 26 8:52am

I am 61yo and had a PFO closure 1 year ago after having a TIA. A few years ago I had a DVT. At first insurance said it would not cover the procedure but after contacting them and after sending a letter explaining my situation they agreed to it. I feel like I would have constantly worried about having a stroke if I did not have it closed. I am scheduled for my 1 year echo this week. I take plavix daily. Hope all goes well for you.

waynen | @waynen | Mar 26 9:23am

I think if I was closer to 60 the procedure would've been conducted. There's some data that older people have greater chance of side effects, like formation of afib.

Bonniewhite56 | @bonniewhite56 | May 29 10:15pm

I had PFO done on May 9. It was never a question I would do it. There was little downside and only made me feel safer. I have no high blood pressure, have low cholesterol, not family history of stroke. I’m 70. Had stroke in January.

Next I’m having an internal monitor implant in my chest. It too is a precaution to any possible afib event. It is a monitor which notifies the cardiologist that something is going on electronically in my heart. It is not a pacemaker.
Hope this helps.

Bonniewhite56 | @bonniewhite56 | May 29 10:20pm

In reply to @bonniewhite56 "Which mayo did you have PFO repair" + (show)

It was not done at mayo. Initially I wanted to go to mayo for the stroke but it’s very hard to get into a neurologist there. I live in Milwaukee and had it done by a cardiologist, dr mason, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. He has done hundreds of this procedure and I had confidence in him.