We describe a case of intraoperative
diagnosis and successful deferred percutaneous closure of a
patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the clinical setting of acute refractory
hypoxemic respiratory failure and new‑onset
ischemic stroke in an
elderly patient after
coronary artery bypass graft . Perioperative
morbidity (i.e. severe
hypoxemia , worsening
right ventricular dysfunction , and
embolic stroke ) that is potentially related to intraoperatively diagnosed PFO during
cardiac surgery can complicate management in the
Intensive Care Unit and perhaps
affect the
patient ’s outcome. Although the PFO closure can be challenging in the clinical setting of
hypoxemic respiratory failure and
stroke following
cardiac surgery , it can be a reasonable perioperative option.