After a mild TIA (1st one noticed...3 others didn't present as they occurred in the left "oatmeal" part of brain), and numerous tests (CT scan, MRI, TEE, ultrasound of the carotids) I was dx with PFO. I will be seeing two cardiologists at Loyola Medical Center on 8/15. "Clamshell" catheter closure has been discussed as opposed to open heart surgery. Can you give me a brief explanation of this, and how long the recovery period is? Can I expect that I will be taken off of coumadin after the surgery? (I hope, I hope, I hope...since I love to vary my diet.) By the way, I am a 45 female, in excellent health, one pregnancy at 37 with cesarean delivery, gall bladder removed 3 years ago, major weight loss (90 lbs) 3 years ago. I've never smoked, my cholesterol levels (both LDL and HDL) are excellent, and the tests done showed no indication of any heart disease developing.
I appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you.