Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and Risk of Perioperative Stroke

Launched by UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, TORONTO · Oct 19, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether having a condition called Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)—a small hole in the heart that usually doesn’t cause symptoms—can increase the risk of having a stroke during or after non-heart-related surgeries. Researchers want to find out if patients with this condition are more likely to experience strokes, both obvious and subtle, when they undergo surgeries like orthopedic or gynecologic procedures.

To participate, you need to be at least 18 years old and scheduled for an elective surgery that doesn’t involve the heart or blood vessels. You should also expect to stay in the hospital for at least two days after your surgery. However, people who require long-term blood-thinning medications, have certain health issues that could raise stroke risks, or cannot have an MRI will not be eligible for the study. If you join, the study will help researchers understand better the risks associated with PFO, which could improve care for future patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. patients 18 years and above;
• • 2. referred for an elective, non-cardiac, non-vascular and non-brain surgery;
• • 3. with an estimated hospital length of stay ≥2 days. We will include patients referred for general, orthopedic, urological, gynecologic, spinal or thoracic surgery.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. patients in need for long-term, perioperative anticoagulants;
• • 2. those with comorbidities that potentially increase the risk of perioperative stroke;
• • 3. contraindications to MRI;
• • 4. unable to complete or adhere to the study.