Cardiovascular Imaging

Foramen ovale

opening in the atrial septum which conducts blood from the right to the left atrium during fetal life. It is located at the junction between the septum primum and septum secundum. The foramen becomes anatomically sealed at about 2-3 months after birth. A small foramen ovale remains patent in 15-20% of adults. A patent foramen ovale permits access to the left side of the heart and the systemic circulation by venous catheterization. A patent foramen ovale is the route of arterial embolization by a venous thrombus (paradoxical embolus).

CBH