Evaluation of the Severity of Right to Left Shunt in PFO Patients After Systemic Embolism

Evaluation of the Severity of Right to Left Shunt in Patent Foraneb Ovale Patients After Systemic Embolism

The aim of the project is to identify new risk indicators of PFO. The evaluation of the R-L shunt is based on the newly developed precise measurement technique. Moreover, this measurement of R-L shunt is feasible in a case when R-L shunt is present only intermittently. Multicentric study with 150 patients.

The aim of the proposed project is to identify new risk indicators of PFO. The evaluation of the R-L shunt is based on the newly developed precise measurement technique. Moreover, this measurement of R-L shunt is feasible in a case when R-L shunt is present only intermittently. Detection and quantification of R-L shunt will be realized by the original INNTHERM® ® system (Innova Medical s.r.o., Velká Dobrá). This system is based on the principle of thermodilution. The basic assumption of our study is the hypothesis, that the size of the R-L shunt (and especially its maximum size during intra-abdominal pressure increase) is a risk factor for the development of paradoxical embolism (from pulmonary to systemic circulation). The most critical consequence of paradoxical embolism is the development of ischemic stroke. Such measurement with an unequivocal accuracy has never been done so far, due a lack of technology precise enough. Precise quantification of R-L shunt will allow a more accurate prediction of high-risk patients, especially after correlation with commonly used methods. PFO is now an indication for implantation of percutaneous occlusion device only in case of secondary prevention of stroke, i.e. in a group of patients who have had an ischemic stroke. Prospectively, precise and better identification of a risk group of these patients could lead to cost reduction of treatment. This cost reduction is crucial for young working-age patients who can be treated before a major irreversible brain injury occurs. A parameter applicable in primary prevention saves the cost of ischemic stroke treatment and other systemic embolism; additionally it will contribute to cost reduction during aftercare treatment.

Catheterized hemodynamics evaluation - a measurement of systemic flow and pulmonary flow, R-L shunt, L-R shunt using the INNTHERM® system, prior to PFO closure using a common PFO-occluder (within one catheterization intervention).

Right-to Left shunt will be measured and quantified using by the novel system for measurement of Cardiac flow- Inntherm. We will obtain these hemodynamics parameters: Systemic blood flow (SBF) pulmonary blood (PBF) Cardiac index (CI), ration of QP/QS. Right to left shunt will be quantified in liters per minutes as well as % of SBF and % of PBF. We will evaluate R-L shunt in normal conditions as well as after inducible Valsalva maneuver. Each patient will fill EQ-5D at the beginning of the study and Then 24 weeks after PFO closure.

Is there a significant correlation between atrial septal morphology and the level of severity of cardiac shunt as a predictive factor for systemic embolism

Transesophageal Echocardiography routine examination after 6 months after Patent foramen ovale closure

To evaluate results 6 months after Patent foramen ovale closure by means of a Patent foramen ovale occluder with a routine examination of Transesophageal Echocardiography

To judge if the closure of Patent foramen ovale especially by the group of patients with significant R-L shunt may influence exercise tolerance and quality of patient life. Precise results of quantification of R-L Shunt will significantly correlated with a possible complications of PFO - systemic embolization, desaturation syndromes.

Inclusion Criteria: Male and female patients aged ≥18 and < 60 years Cryptogenic stroke or Systemic embolization due to paradoxical embolization via Patent Foramen Ovale The patient indicated for occlusion of PFO with catheter occluder Exclusion Criteria: Inability to perform spiroergometry Inability to perform Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) Inability to perform proper Valsalva maneuver Inability to understand and/or signed informed consent form Contraindication of Patent Foramen Ovale occlusion by any medical reason or patient refusal