PFO Closure

[hamgirl]

Had PFO closure 5 weeks ago, having post bubble study next week.  Feeling good, but have occasional chest discomfort (like something caught).  When I asked physician about it, he was evasive in his answer (the cardiac surgeon performed procedure in another city and I am following up all post-op care with local cardiologist. None of the literature I read mentions chest discomfort.     Had a "floppy" septum, with large PFO, and an ASA.  Diagnosed after a speenic infarct.  Is chest/heart discomfort possible?  I returned to work 5 days after procedure and have very stressful job, also take meds for GERD, which seems worse with taking aspirin and plavix.  Thank you for  you help.  

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

It is uncommon for patients to have chest pain after PFO  closure done percutaneously but common if it was done by open heart surgery. Make sure there is no pericardial effusion on the follow-up echo as this could indicate a potential problem from the closure.  I would talk to the doctor who did the procedure.

[cabkrun]

Hi,
I have read of many people experiencing chest pain after PFO closure (often described as a 'chicken bone' feeling stuck in the chest) with the devices.  The explanation often given is that there has been a foreign object places inside your heart, and there will be pain associated as the heart adjusts.  That probably isn't very helpful, but that's the one explanation I have read over and over again.  I do hope you feel better soon, and hope i have helped a little bit.
good luck.