Patent foramen ovale closure prior to surgery in the sitting position

Abstract

Previously, patent foramen ovale (PFO) was an absolute contraindication to surgery in the sitting position. We report two patients with PFO who underwent surgery in the sitting position after percutaneous PFO closure. To our knowledge this is the first report of this technique.

Keywords::

• paradoxical air embolism
• patent foramen ovale PFO
• sitting position
• venous air embolism

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.