ObjectiveTo analyze the cases of cryptogenic cerebral infarction complicated with patent foramen ovale (PFO) treated by interventional occlusion, and evaluate the efficacy and safety of occlusion of PFO on preventing the recurrence of cerebral infarction.MethodsA total of 24 patients with cerebral infarction complicated with PFO who underwent interventional occlusion from January 2015 to August 2018 in Mianyang Central Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The data of these patients was collected, including relevant medical history, clinical examinations, and treatment processes. Detailed examinations (electrocardiogram, right heart contrast echocardiography, transcranial Doppler ultrasound foaming test, cranial imaging, etc.) were performed and the clinical manifestations were evaluated when patients returned to the outpatient department. Combining with regular telephone calls and outpatient follow-up, the recurrence of cerebral infarction and postoperative complications were evaluated.ResultsAmong the 24 patients, there were 11 males and 13 females, who were aged from 16 to 72 (with an average age of 49); the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score was ≤5 in 19 patients, and was >5 in 5. The preoperative MRI and other examinations of the 24 patients showed that there were 21 cases of unilateral cerebral infarctions and 3 cases of bilateral cerebral infarctions; 10 cases of single lesions and 14 cases of multiple lesions; 9 cases of cortical infarctions and 15 cases of subcortical infarctions; 11 cases of lacunar infarctions and 13 cases of non-lacunar infarctions. Anterior circulation was involved in 14 cases, posterior circulation was involved in 8 cases, and both anterior and posterior circulations were involved in 2 cases. All the 24 patients underwent interventional occlusion successfully. No complications occurred during hospitalization or 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up visits. No cerebral infarctions reoccurred.ConclusionsInterventional occlusion of PFO is effective on preventing the recurrence of cerebral infarction. And the operation is safe with rare complications.