The nitinol occluder system Nit-Occlud® PFO was specially developed to close congenital PFO heart defects (patent foramen ovale, or persistent foramen ovale). The patented double-umbrella design allows an effective closure of the PFO channel with a very low profile and a minimal amount of material, which reduces thromboembolic risks.
Special design The occluder consists of a single nitinol wire with a double-layer right atrial disc and a single-layer left atrial disc. The thrombo-embolic risk is reduced by the minimal amount of material used.
Patented single-wire knit Thanks to the single-wire design, there is no need for the protruding clasps which are usually used. This makes for a very low profile.
Various sizes The Nit-Occlud® PFO is available in sizes of 20 mm, 26 mm and 30 mm.
Easy to use The easy-to-use application system was developed specifically for Nit-Occlud® PFO procedures.
Soft atraumatic rim
pfm medical mepro gmbh
Am Söterberg 4
66620 Nonnweiler-Otzenhausen, Germany
Field of structural heart defects; for treating PFO (patent foramen ovale).
The Nit-Occlud® PFO shield is a permanent implant used for closing PFOs. It is inserted in the PFO using minimally invasive catheter technology. The shield consists of Nitinol, a shape memory material, which resembles a double shield in its relaxed state.
Dacron, a synthetic material, is incorporated in the right atrial double disc to achieve a high acute closure rate. The left atrial disc is a single disc in order to accelerate the endothelialisation process. Nit-Occlud® PFO shields are available in various sizes to enable a wide range of PFOs to be treated with the best possible results.
The Nit-Occlud® PFO shield system consists of two main components: the shield and a delivery system including a single applicator.

Full view of Nit-Occlud® PFO

Shield, D = diameter

Transportation sheath with Y-connector

Disposable applicator handle
Diagnostic Measurements
As a first step, a full transesophageal echocardiographic study must be carried out. If possible, all intracardiac findings which are necessary for the procedure should be included in the study.
Selection of the Nit-Occlud® PFO Umbrella
Selection of the umbrella will depend on the distance between the PFO and the aortic root or between the PFO and the junction of the superior vena cava, as measured in the transesophageal echocardiogram (cf. Tab.: Selection of the Nit-Occlud® PFO umbrella and the recommended Mullins sheath).
A 45° curved 9 F Mullins sheath is recommended for the PFO 20 and 26 umbrella systems, and a 45° curved 10 F Mullins sheath for the PFO 30 umbrella system.
Occluder Type | PFO-20, REF 182020 | PFO-26, REF 182026 | PFO-30, REF 182030 |
|---|---|---|---|
20 mm | 26 mm | 30 mm | |
Distance aortic root-PFO | ≥11 mm, <14 mm | ≥14 mm, <16 mm | ≥16 mm |
Distance superior vena cava-PFO | ≥11 mm, <14 mm | ≥14 mm, <16 mm | ≥16 mm |
Recommended Mullins sheath | 45° curved 9FF | 45° curved 9F | 45° curved 10F |
Auxiliary Imaging Procedures
Closure of the PFO is performed in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory under transesophageal echochardiography and x-ray fluoroscopy.
Indication
Interventional closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) after a neurological event (e.g. transient ischemic attack, stroke), in case of decompression illness or migraine. The Nit-Occlud® PFO umbrella system is not intended for the closure of other structural cardiac defects.
Contraindications
Pathological or physical conditions that exclude the implantation of a Nit-Occlud® PFO umbrella:
| REF | Diameter | Implantation catheter | Implantation catheter length | PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182020 | 20 mm | 9 F | max. 90 cm | 1 |
| 182026 | 26 mm | 9 F | max. 90 cm | 1 |
| 182030 | 30 mm | 10 F | max. 90 cm | 1 |