SCAI Publishes Recommendations for Use of PFO Closure Technologies

April 1, 2019—The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) announced the publication of an expert consensus statement that provides recommendations for the safe and effective dissemination of newly approved patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure technologies. The document was developed by SCAI and affirmed by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).

Eric Horlick, MD, Chair of the writing group, with Cochair Clifford J. Kavinsky, MD, et al published the document online in SCAI’s Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions.

According to SCAI, the document makes specific recommendations for operator competencies and training, facility infrastructure, multidisciplinary collaboration, and quality assessment measures.

In the society's announcement, Dr. Horlick commented, “Completion of the randomized trials demonstrating the superiority of PFO closure and medical therapy over medical therapy alone for appropriately selected patients with cryptogenic stroke and a PFO was a landmark achievement that has resolved decades of uncertainty.”

Dr. Horlick continued, “The appropriate use of PFO closure has the potential to change the natural history of a potentially devastating disease process. SCAI and AAN representatives collaborated to help cardiologists and neurologists provide the highest standard of care.

“SCAI can now confidently offer evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of these patients who are seeking answers to guide their therapeutic decision-making after a potentially catastrophic event. I am very proud of the work produced by our dedicated and highly experienced SCAI writing group, including representatives from the AAN. The resulting document is pragmatic and aims to inform and assist clinicians and institutions in maintaining an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to the care of this patient population with a focus on quality and safety.”