I have the amplatzer, but there are other ones on the market as well.  Each
doctor will have their personal preference.  The biggest issue is to find a
doctor that is experienced with this procedure and that you are comfortable
with.  I would recommend the doctor I had because my experience was great, and I
suspect many people in this group would also recommend their doctors.  However,
there is likely someone near you in Texas that is experienced at performing this
procedure and that you will trust, although it may take some effort on your part
to find that person. 
There are other procedure that are being tested in clinical trials, and you may
want to discuss those with your doctor.  However, you have to compare the
advantages of a device that will partially dissolve versus one that remains
implanted permanently, and you should have those discussions with your doctor. 
I believe there is also a procedure that uses RF energy to seal PFO's, but am
not sure what stage of testing this device is at.  I talked with my doctor and
chose to have the amplatzer device implanted because of the risk of additional
strokes and the length of time until alternatives would become available.
Good luck.



----- Original Message ----
From: Violet Flame <violetflame11@...>
To: PFOSupport@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, August 7, 2008 9:22:57 AM
Subject: [PFOSupport] Re: Need to understand PFO and best treatments for!

There are a few devices made by different companies.  This group does
not endorse one company or one specific device.  Many of us have just
had the amplatzer, but it doesn't mean it's the device of choice.
Don't be afraid to shop around for doctors and devices and ask
questions.
You are the customer.  If you were shopping for a car, would you buy
the first one the car salesman told you to buy?


--- In PFOSupport@yahoogroups.com, "Terijo Brewton" <terijo@...> wrote:
>
> Is the Amplatzer the one we want?  Aren't there more than one type of
> device?  When I first understood there WAS such a device, I think the
one I
> heard about actually dissolved or something.
>
> Thanks, Terijo
>



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