Fig. 2
From: Echocardiographic guided, transatrial closure of a patent foramen ovale
The operational procedure in detail. a: Identification of the interatrial groove with subsequent removal of fat tissue. The PFO is usually slightly above the groove towards the superior vena cava b: “Probing” using forceps under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance to identify the exact location and size of the PFO c: Two 3/0 Prolene horizontal mattress sutures supported by teflon felts were passed from the left atrium to the right atrium to close the PFO. The margin between the PFO and the suture should be 3–4 mm. d: The sutures are carefully tightened and the PFO is subsequently closed. If necessary, further sutures can be applied until safe closure of the PFO. (SVC: superior vena cava, IVC: inferior vena cava, AO: aorta, PFO: patent foramen ovale, FO: Fossa ovalis, RAA. Right atrial appendage)