Introduction:

Patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm are frequent findings in the average population. Over the last years multiple studies have suggested there is an association between both entities and cerebrovascular accidents of cryptogenic origin as a consequence of paradoxical embolism, specially among population under age 55, which has stimulated the development of devices for percutaneous closure of these defects with the goal of reducing recurring cerebral ischemic events, without a clear demonstration of their efficacy.

Motivation:

To perform a systematic review of literature to assess the risk of recurrence and benefits of this surgery.

Results:

1,208 articles were collected for this evaluation, with a total of 11 papers included in the analysis following selection, assessment and application of selection criteria. 3 of them were clinical trial and 8 were systematic reviews or meta-analysis.

Conclusions:

In adult patients with cryptogenic cerebrovascular ischemic or transient ischemic attacks with patent foramen ovale documented via transthoracic echocardiogram no decrease has been found in the risk of recurrence of cerebrovascular attacks, transient ischemic accidents or neurological events in comparison with traditional medical therapy

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