Topic: The Future of PFO Closure: Beyond Secondary Prevention

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been performed for more than three decades and has evolved into a well-established, minimally invasive interventional procedure. Since the introduction of dedicated PFO closure devices in the late 1990s, device technology, procedural techniques, imaging guidance, and patient selection have advanced considerably. Contemporary PFO closure can be performed rapidly and with a favorable safety profile in appropriately selected patients, while its potential clinical implications extend well beyond the prevention of recurrent cryptogenic stroke.

This Special Issue, “The Future of PFO Closure: Beyond Secondary Prevention” will explore advances, controversies, and emerging indications in PFO diagnosis and closure, with emphasis on screening and imaging, patient selection, high-risk anatomy, prevention of embolic events, and broader individualized applications beyond secondary stroke prevention. Particular attention will be given to the evolving roles of contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography, transcranial Doppler, and transesophageal echocardiography in identifying clinically relevant PFOs and guiding treatment decisions. The Special Issue will also discuss emerging clinical scenarios, long-term outcomes, procedural safety, antithrombotic management, and the evidence needed to support more personalized and potentially expanded use of PFO closure.

We welcome Original Research Articles, Reviews, Perspectives, Opinions, Commentaries, and other relevant article types.