Hi Mike,
I can't speak for all the members of the group about why they've had
their closures, but I have had 2 strokes due to blood clots from my
PFO, and that is why I had mine closed. If your wife doesn't want to
have the surgery, she could always just go on an aspirin a day or a
blood thinning medication to keep her from having clots. Of course, if
you're going to have children, she can't take the blood thinners while
pregnant, but you need to discuss that with your doctor.
Good Luck!
Solitaire