Abdelaziz HK, et al. - In patients with cryptogenic stroke, researchers compared transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure vs medical therapy alone in terms of long-term clinical outcomes. Data from five randomized clinical trials with a total of 3,440 patients identified via an electronic search was analyzed. Transcatheter PFO closure vs medical therapy alone reduced the recurrence of stroke without any significant safety concerns. However, PFO closure was related to increased new-onset atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL), risk of pulmonary embolism, and device-related complications. In order to detect new-onset atrial arrhythmias, close follow-up of patients after PFO closure was advised.