The patent foramen ovale is a congenital heart disease that is found in 25% of the adult population. The foramen ovale is a natural opening that allows the passage of oxygenated blood from the right atrium to the left during fetal life. This allows the oxygen and nutrients from the mother can reach the brain and fetal organs. At the time of birth it is closing gradually. However, in some people said closure does not occur, to be known as patent foramen ovale. If there are no symptoms, treatment is not usually necessary. However, if there has been a stroke, it will prevent a new episode with anticoagulant medication or closing the foramen with a device that is introduced into the heart through veins, typically the femoral vein (percutaneous closure), or by intervention surgical.