Patent Foramen OvaleSAFE-PFONCT07380490
Comparing Two PFO Closure Devices in Adults With Previous Stroke or TIA
A study testing PFO Closure procedure in people with Patent Foramen Ovale and Stroke, run by Giuseppe Tarantini at 1 site in Germany.
Trial summary
This study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind, investigator-driven, non-profit clinical trial designed to compare the safety and efficacy of the Cocoon PFO Occluder with the Amplatzer PFO Occluder family in patients requiring percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Patent Foramen Ovale, Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- What is being tested?
- PFO Closure procedure
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 1,260 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGermany
- Study dates
- 24 Jul 2026to Jul 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients with >18 years of age and <65 years of age, regardless of gender
- Patients with normal or aneurysm type PFO confirmed by imaging examination [Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)/ Transesophageal Echocardiography (TOE) or Intracardiac Echocardiography], and who exhibit spontaneous right-to-left shunting or right-to-left shunting during Valsalva maneuver.
- Patients with history of cryptogenic embolic stroke or transient ischemic attack in the previous 12 months [stroke is defined as acute focal neurological deficit presumed to be due to focal ischemia, and either 1) symptoms persisting 24 hours or greater, or 2) symptoms persisting less than 24 hours but associated with MR or CT findings of a new, neuroanatomically relevant, cerebral infarct. Transient Ischemic Attack is defined as acute focal neurological deficit (defined as focal motor deficit, aphasia, difficulty walking, hemisensory deficit, amaurosis fugax, blindness, or focal visual deficit) presumed due to focal ischemia, lasting between 5 minutes and 24 hours, that is not associated with MR or CT findings of a new cerebral infarct]. The diagnosis of cryptogenic embolic stroke or TIA has to be confirmed by a neurologist.
- The size of PFO must be amenable to selection of a Cocoon PFO Occluder or Amplatzer PFO closure device.
- Patients are informed of the nature of the trial and agree to all requirements for participation in the trial, signed the informed consent form, and agreed to complete the follow-up and follow-up examination
Who cannot join
- Patients who have definite causes of stroke or transient ischemic attack unrelated to the PFO
- RLS caused by other causes, such as atrial septal defect or pulmonary arteriovenous shunt
- Patients with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (chronic or intermittent) Intracardiac thrombus or tumor
- Patients with mitral or aortic valve stenosis or severe regurgitation
- Mitral or aortic valve vegetation or prosthesis
- Active endocarditis or other untreated infectious diseases
Show all 28Show fewer
- Dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%
- Left ventricular aneurysm or akinesis Myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris within 12 months
- Previous intracardiac surgery or percutaneous PFO-closure
- Atherosclerosis or arteriopathy of intra- or extracranial vessels with >50% diameter stenosis in the artery supplying the infarcted territory.
- Patients with non-embolic cryptogenic stroke (for example lacunar stroke) or with other identifiable causes of stroke, including but not limited to aortic arch plaques (protruding >4 mm into the lumen), large artery atherosclerotic disease, an established cardioembolic source, small-vessel occlusive disease, or arterial dissection
- Glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 or with any history of renal dialysis or renal transplantation
- Severe liver function impairment (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal value）
- Severe pulmonary disease including pulmonary hypertension (clinical diagnosis)
- Uncontrollable hypertension or diabetes mellitus
- Contraindications to anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, either before or after the PFO closure procedure
- Active or planned (within 12 months) pregnancy, or lactating female patients
- Patients with hypercoagulable states
- Patients diagnosed with a neurological disease that causes progressive neurological dysfunction
- Malignant tumors or other serious diseases resulting in a life expectancy of less than 12 months
- Anatomy in which the device would interfere with intracardiac or vascular structures
- Psychiatric conditions that may interfere with medical compliance and compliance with follow-up
- Patient is currently participating in another investigational drug or device study that has not reached its primary endpoint yet
- Patient with any medical condition that would make him/her inappropriate for treatment as per the current IFU of respective devices or in the opinion of the Investigator
- Inability to obtain Informed Consent from patient or legally authorized representatives
- Stroke with poor outcome at time of enrollment (Modified Rankin score >3)
- Subjects who will not be available for follow up for the duration of the trial
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Germany1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Heart and Diabetes Center NRW (HDZ NRW), Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology/Angiology
Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), 32545
Werner Scholtz, MD
Werner Scholtz, MD
About this study
Official title: Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing the Safety and EfficAcy of the Cocoon PFO Occluder Versus Amplatzer PFO ClosurE Device for Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients With a History of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack A Non-Profit, Single-blind, Investigator Driven Trial
This study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind, investigator-driven, non-profit clinical trial designed to compare the safety and efficacy of the Cocoon PFO Occluder with the Amplatzer PFO Occluder family in patients requiring percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Eligible participants are adults with a history of cryptogenic embolic stroke or neurologically confirmed transient ischemic attack (TIA) within the previous 12 months and a PFO suitable for transcatheter closure.
A total of up to 1260 subjects will be enrolled across multiple European centers. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 3:1 ratio to receive either the Cocoon PFO Occluder (experimental group) or an Amplatzer PFO closure device (control group). The procedure will be performed as soon as possible after randomization, preferably within 14 days and no later than 45 days.
Read more
The primary endpoint is a non-inferiority comparison of a composite outcome at 12 months, including recurrent ischemic stroke, TIA, or all-cause death. Secondary endpoints include PFO closure rate at 6 months, assessed by echocardiographic imaging, and other measures of safety, device performance, and clinical outcomes.
The study is conducted in a single-blind fashion: patients will not be informed of the device they receive unless they explicitly request this information. Any patient who chooses to be unblinded will continue to participate without affecting eligibility or follow-up, and the date of unblinding will be documented to allow appropriate sensitivity analyses.
This trial aims to provide robust comparative evidence on the clinical performance of the Cocoon PFO Occluder relative to the Amplatzer PFO Occluder to guide optimal device selection in patients with cryptogenic stroke or TIA associated with PFO.
- Being tested
- PFO Closure procedure
- Keywords
- PFO Closure, Cocoon PFO Occluder, Amplatzer PFO Occluder, Patent Foramen Ovale, Cryptogenic Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack
- Medical subject headings
- Foramen Ovale, Patent, Stroke, Ischemic Attack, Transient, Ischemic Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
PFO Closure procedureDevice
Percutaneous PFO closure performed according to standard clinical practice. The procedure is scheduled within 45 days after randomization and includes initiation of dual antiplatelet therapy before the intervention. Closure is performed following the Instructions for Use (IFU) of the assigned device and is guided by intracardiac echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography. After device implantation, patients undergo routine post-procedure assessment and are instructed to follow antiplatelet therapy consistent with European clinical practice guidelines. Endocarditis prophylaxis is recommended for six months. The procedural steps are identical for both study arms; the only difference is the device implanted (Cocoon PFO Occluder or Amplatzer PFO Occluder). Participants are assigned to the two study arms using a 3:1 randomization scheme (Cocoon PFO Occluder : Amplatzer PFO Occluder).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoon PFO Occluder - experimental | Experimental | Participants undergo percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) using the Cocoon PFO Occluder device. The procedure is performed under standard clinical practice. Follow-up includes echocardiographic assessment of PFO closure and routine clinical evaluations. Participants are assigned to the two study arms using a 3:1 randomization scheme (Cocoon PFO Occluder : Amplatzer PFO Occluder). Receives: Device: PFO Closure procedure |
| Amplatzer PFO Occluder - Control | Active comparator | Participants undergo percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) using the Amplatzer PFO Occluder device, considered the current standard of care. Follow-up includes echocardiographic assessment of PFO closure and routine clinical evaluations. Participants are assigned to the two study arms using a 3:1 randomization scheme (Cocoon PFO Occluder : Amplatzer PFO Occluder). Receives: Device: PFO Closure procedure |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Composite endpoint of recurrent ischemic stroke, TIA, or all-cause death at 12 months
A non-inferiority comparison between the Cocoon PFO Occluder and the Amplatzer PFO Occluder in terms of a composite endpoint including:
- Recurrent ischemic stroke, defined as an acute focal neurological deficit presumed to result from focal ischemia, with symptoms lasting ≥24 hours, or <24 hours if accompanied by MRI or CT evidence of a new, anatomically relevant cerebral infarct.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA), defined as an acute focal neurological deficit (e.g., focal motor deficit, aphasia, gait disturbance, hemisensory deficit, amaurosis fugax, blindness, or focal visual deficit) presumed due to focal ischemia, lasting between 5 minutes and 24 hours, and not associated with MRI or CT evidence of a new infarct. Clinical evaluation by a neurologist is required.
- All-cause mortality.
Measured: 12 months after the procedure
Secondary outcomes (15)
PFO Closure Rate
Complete closure is defined as right-to-left shunt (RLS) grade 0. Effective closure is defined as RLS grade 0 or 1 on imaging (TTE as default, TOE when clinically indicated)
Measured: 6 months
Composite of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke, TIA, or Death
Composite endpoint including recurrent ischemic stroke, TIA (neurologist-confirmed), or all-cause mortality.
Measured: 30 days and 6 months
Neurological Death
Death attributable to neurological causes.
Measured: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Cardiovascular Death
Death attributable to cardiovascular causes.
Measured: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Recurrent Symptomatic Non-Fatal Stroke
TIA defined according to the same criteria as the primary endpoint and confirmed by a neurologist
Measured: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Serious Adverse Events (SAE)
Incidence of any serious adverse event as defined by standard reporting criteria.
Measured: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Device- or Procedure-Related Serious Adverse Events
SAE related to the device or procedure, including but not limited to: death, systemic embolism, device embolization or malposition, device thrombosis, cardiac injury/perforation, pericardial tamponade/effusion, endocarditis, atrial fibrillation, and severe vascular access complications
Measured: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Clinically Significant New Atrial Arrhythmia
New atrial arrhythmia (including AF) confirmed by ECG, Holter, or approved monitoring device. AF defined per international guidelines (≥30-second episode with absence of P waves and irregular RR intervals).
Measured: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Device Success
Successful delivery, deployment at intended site, and retrieval of the delivery system.
Measured: Immediately after the procedure
Procedural Success
Device success without device- or procedure-related SAE prior to discharge
Measured: At hospital discharge
Change in Monthly Migraine Days
Change in monthly migraine days in patients with a neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of migraine.
Measured: Months 9-12 vs. baseline (3 months before implantation)
Quality of Life (SF-36 Score)
Assessment of quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire.
Measured: 6 months, 12 months
Systemic Embolism
Incidence of systemic embolic events confirmed clinically or by imaging
Measured: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Possible/Probable Device-Related Allergy
Device-related allergic reactions adjudicated by the Clinical Events Committee (CEC)
Measured: 12 months
Echocardiographic Markers of Device Endothelialization
Evaluation of endothelialization using surrogate TOE markers: device surface echogenicity, peri-device flow, presence of thrombus/mass, visible disc surface area, and bubble contrast washout. Data will be summarized as the proportion of participants meeting criteria for complete endothelialization at each follow-up time point.
Measured: At 6 months (±1 month) post-procedure At 12 months (±2 months) post-procedure Additional TOE as clinically indicated through study completion (up to 12 months)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Feb 2026
- Study start24 Jul 2026
- Primary completionJul 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionJul 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Patent Foramen OvaleStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 1,260 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Giuseppe Tarantini
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Collaborators
- Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Giuseppe Tarantini, Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited
- Investigators
- Giuseppe Tarantini, MD, PhD, FESC, Principal investigator, University of Padova
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07380490
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SAFE-PFO
- Acronym
- SAFE-PFO
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 5 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Testa L, Popolo Rubbio A, Squillace M, Albano F, Cesario V, Casenghi M, Tarantini G, Pagnotta P, Ielasi A, Popusoi G, Paloscia L, Durante A, Maffeo D, Meucci F, Valentini G, Ussia GP, Cioffi P, Cortese B, Sangiorgi G, Contegiacomo G, Bedogni F. Patent foramen ovale occlusion with the Cocoon PFO Occluder. The PROS-IT collaborative project. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Jan 11;9:1064026. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1064026. eCollection 2022.
PubMed 36712245Turc G, Calvet D, Guerin P, Sroussi M, Chatellier G, Mas JL; CLOSE Investigators. Closure, Anticoagulation, or Antiplatelet Therapy for Cryptogenic Stroke With Patent Foramen Ovale: Systematic Review of Randomized Trials, Sequential Meta-Analysis, and New Insights From the CLOSE Study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018 Jun 17;7(12):e008356. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.117.008356.
PubMed 29910193Lee PH, Song JK, Kim JS, Heo R, Lee S, Kim DH, Song JM, Kang DH, Kwon SU, Kang DW, Lee D, Kwon HS, Yun SC, Sun BJ, Park JH, Lee JH, Jeong HS, Song HJ, Kim J, Park SJ. Cryptogenic Stroke and High-Risk Patent Foramen Ovale: The DEFENSE-PFO Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 May 22;71(20):2335-2342. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.02.046. Epub 2018 Mar 12.
PubMed 29544871Mas JL, Derumeaux G, Guillon B, Massardier E, Hosseini H, Mechtouff L, Arquizan C, Bejot Y, Vuillier F, Detante O, Guidoux C, Canaple S, Vaduva C, Dequatre-Ponchelle N, Sibon I, Garnier P, Ferrier A, Timsit S, Robinet-Borgomano E, Sablot D, Lacour JC, Zuber M, Favrole P, Pinel JF, Apoil M, Reiner P, Lefebvre C, Guerin P, Piot C, Rossi R, Dubois-Rande JL, Eicher JC, Meneveau N, Lusson JR, Bertrand B, Schleich JM, Godart F, Thambo JB, Leborgne L, Michel P, Pierard L, Turc G, Barthelet M, Charles-Nelson A, Weimar C, Moulin T, Juliard JM, Chatellier G; CLOSE Investigators. Patent Foramen Ovale Closure or Anticoagulation vs. Antiplatelets after Stroke. N Engl J Med. 2017 Sep 14;377(11):1011-1021. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1705915.
PubMed 28902593Carroll JD, Saver JL, Thaler DE, Smalling RW, Berry S, MacDonald LA, Marks DS, Tirschwell DL; RESPECT Investigators. Closure of patent foramen ovale versus medical therapy after cryptogenic stroke. N Engl J Med. 2013 Mar 21;368(12):1092-100. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1301440.
PubMed 23514286Meier B, Kalesan B, Mattle HP, Khattab AA, Hildick-Smith D, Dudek D, Andersen G, Ibrahim R, Schuler G, Walton AS, Wahl A, Windecker S, Juni P; PC Trial Investigators. Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale in cryptogenic embolism. N Engl J Med. 2013 Mar 21;368(12):1083-91. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1211716.
PubMed 23514285Furlan AJ, Reisman M, Massaro J, Mauri L, Adams H, Albers GW, Felberg R, Herrmann H, Kar S, Landzberg M, Raizner A, Wechsler L; CLOSURE I Investigators. Closure or medical therapy for cryptogenic stroke with patent foramen ovale. N Engl J Med. 2012 Mar 15;366(11):991-9. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1009639.
PubMed 22417252Pristipino C, Sievert H, D'Ascenzo F, Mas JL, Meier B, Scacciatella P, Hildick-Smith D, Gaita F, Toni D, Kyrle P, Thomson J, Derumeaux G, Onorato E, Sibbing D, Germonpre P, Berti S, Chessa M, Bedogni F, Dudek D, Hornung M, Zamorano J; European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI); European Stroke Organisation (ESO); European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA); European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI); Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC); ESC Working group on GUCH; ESC Working group on Thrombosis; European Haematological Society (EHA). European position paper on the management of patients with patent foramen ovale. General approach and left circulation thromboembolism. EuroIntervention. 2019 Jan 20;14(13):1389-1402. doi: 10.4244/EIJ-D-18-00622. No abstract available.
PubMed 30141306
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing the Safety and EfficAcy of the Cocoon PFO Occluder Versus Amplatzer PFO ClosurE Device for Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients With a History of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack A Non-Profit, Single-blind, Investigator Driven Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07380490
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SAFE-PFO / SAFE-PFO
- Keywords
- PFO Closure, Cocoon PFO Occluder, Amplatzer PFO Occluder, Patent Foramen Ovale, Cryptogenic Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 1,260 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Giuseppe TarantiniIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Collaborators
- Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited
- Study start
- 24 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Jul 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jul 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind, investigator-driven, non-profit clinical trial designed to compare the safety and efficacy of the Cocoon PFO Occluder with the Amplatzer PFO Occluder family in patients requiring percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Eligible participants are adults with a history of cryptogenic embolic stroke or neurologically confirmed transient ischemic attack (TIA) within the previous 12 months and a PFO suitable for transcatheter closure.
A total of up to 1260 subjects will be enrolled across multiple European centers. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 3:1 ratio to receive either the Cocoon PFO Occluder (experimental group) or an Amplatzer PFO closure device (control group). The procedure will be performed as soon as possible after randomization, preferably within 14 days and no later than 45 days.
The primary endpoint is a non-inferiority comparison of a composite outcome at 12 months, including recurrent ischemic stroke, TIA, or all-cause death. Secondary endpoints include PFO closure rate at 6 months, assessed by echocardiographic imaging, and other measures of safety, device performance, and clinical outcomes.
The study is conducted in a single-blind fashion: patients will not be informed of the device they receive unless they explicitly request this information. Any patient who chooses to be unblinded will continue to participate without affecting eligibility or follow-up, and the date of unblinding will be documented to allow appropriate sensitivity analyses.
This trial aims to provide robust comparative evidence on the clinical performance of the Cocoon PFO Occluder relative to the Amplatzer PFO Occluder to guide optimal device selection in patients with cryptogenic stroke or TIA associated with PFO.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoon PFO Occluder - experimental | Experimental | Device: PFO Closure procedureParticipants undergo percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) using the Cocoon PFO Occluder device. The procedure is performed under standard clinical practice. Follow-up includes echocardiographic assessment of PFO closure and routine clinical evaluations. Participants are assigned to the two study arms using a 3:1 randomization scheme (Cocoon PFO Occluder : Amplatzer PFO Occluder). |
| Amplatzer PFO Occluder - Control | Active comparator | Device: PFO Closure procedureParticipants undergo percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) using the Amplatzer PFO Occluder device, considered the current standard of care. Follow-up includes echocardiographic assessment of PFO closure and routine clinical evaluations. Participants are assigned to the two study arms using a 3:1 randomization scheme (Cocoon PFO Occluder : Amplatzer PFO Occluder). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients with >18 years of age and <65 years of age, regardless of gender
- Patients with normal or aneurysm type PFO confirmed by imaging examination [Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)/ Transesophageal Echocardiography (TOE) or Intracardiac Echocardiography], and who exhibit spontaneous right-to-left shunting or right-to-left shunting during Valsalva maneuver.
- Patients with history of cryptogenic embolic stroke or transient ischemic attack in the previous 12 months [stroke is defined as acute focal neurological deficit presumed to be due to focal ischemia, and either 1) symptoms persisting 24 hours or greater, or 2) symptoms persisting less than 24 hours but associated with MR or CT findings of a new, neuroanatomically relevant, cerebral infarct. Transient Ischemic Attack is defined as acute focal neurological deficit (defined as focal motor deficit, aphasia, difficulty walking, hemisensory deficit, amaurosis fugax, blindness, or focal visual deficit) presumed due to focal ischemia, lasting between 5 minutes and 24 hours, that is not associated with MR or CT findings of a new cerebral infarct]. The diagnosis of cryptogenic embolic stroke or TIA has to be confirmed by a neurologist.
- The size of PFO must be amenable to selection of a Cocoon PFO Occluder or Amplatzer PFO closure device.
- Patients are informed of the nature of the trial and agree to all requirements for participation in the trial, signed the informed consent form, and agreed to complete the follow-up and follow-up examination
Key exclusion criteria (28 listed)
- Patients who have definite causes of stroke or transient ischemic attack unrelated to the PFO
- RLS caused by other causes, such as atrial septal defect or pulmonary arteriovenous shunt
- Patients with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (chronic or intermittent) Intracardiac thrombus or tumor
- Patients with mitral or aortic valve stenosis or severe regurgitation
- Mitral or aortic valve vegetation or prosthesis
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| PFO Closure procedurePercutaneous PFO closure performed according to standard clinical practice. The procedure is scheduled within 45 days after randomization and includes initiation of dual antiplatelet therapy before the intervention. Closure is performed following the Instructions for Use (IFU) of the assigned device and is guided by intracardiac echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography. After device implantation, patients undergo routine post-procedure assessment and are instructed to follow antiplatelet therapy consistent with European clinical practice guidelines. Endocarditis prophylaxis is recommended for six months. The procedural steps are identical for both study arms; the only difference is the device implanted (Cocoon PFO Occluder or Amplatzer PFO Occluder). Participants are assigned to the two study arms using a 3:1 randomization scheme (Cocoon PFO Occluder : Amplatzer PFO Occluder). | Device | Amplatzer PFO Occluder - Control, Cocoon PFO Occluder - experimental |
Primary outcome
Composite endpoint of recurrent ischemic stroke, TIA, or all-cause death at 12 months
Time frame: 12 months after the procedure
A non-inferiority comparison between the Cocoon PFO Occluder and the Amplatzer PFO Occluder in terms of a composite endpoint including: 1. Recurrent ischemic stroke, defined as an acute focal neurological deficit presumed to result from focal ischemia, with symptoms lasting ≥24 hours, or <24 hours if accompanied by MRI or CT evidence of a new, anatomically relevant cerebral infarct. 2. Transient ischemic attack (TIA), defined as an acute focal neurological deficit (e.g., focal motor deficit, aphasia, gait disturbance, hemisensory deficit, amaurosis fugax, blindness, or focal visual deficit) presumed due to focal ischemia, lasting between 5 minutes and 24 hours, and not associated with MRI or CT evidence of a new infarct. Clinical evaluation by a neurologist is required. 3. All-cause mortality.
15 secondary outcomes
PFO Closure Rate
Time frame: 6 months
Composite of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke, TIA, or Death
Time frame: 30 days and 6 months
Neurological Death
Time frame: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Cardiovascular Death
Time frame: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Recurrent Symptomatic Non-Fatal Stroke
Time frame: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Serious Adverse Events (SAE)
Time frame: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Device- or Procedure-Related Serious Adverse Events
Time frame: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Clinically Significant New Atrial Arrhythmia
Time frame: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Device Success
Time frame: Immediately after the procedure
Procedural Success
Time frame: At hospital discharge
Change in Monthly Migraine Days
Time frame: Months 9-12 vs. baseline (3 months before implantation)
Quality of Life (SF-36 Score)
Time frame: 6 months, 12 months
Systemic Embolism
Time frame: 30 days, 6 months, 12 months
Possible/Probable Device-Related Allergy
Time frame: 12 months
Echocardiographic Markers of Device Endothelialization
Time frame: At 6 months (±1 month) post-procedure At 12 months (±2 months) post-procedure Additional TOE as clinically indicated through study completion (up to 12 months)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 36712245Testa L, Popolo Rubbio A, Squillace M, Albano F, Cesario V, Casenghi M, Tarantini G, Pagnotta P, Ielasi A, Popusoi G, Paloscia L, Durante A, Maffeo D, Meucci F, Valentini G, Ussia GP, Cioffi P, Cortese B, Sangiorgi G, Contegiacomo G, Bedogni F. Patent foramen ovale occlusion with the Cocoon PFO Occluder. The PROS-IT collaborative project. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Jan 11;9:1064026. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1064026. eCollection 2022.
- Background: PubMed 29910193Turc G, Calvet D, Guerin P, Sroussi M, Chatellier G, Mas JL; CLOSE Investigators. Closure, Anticoagulation, or Antiplatelet Therapy for Cryptogenic Stroke With Patent Foramen Ovale: Systematic Review of Randomized Trials, Sequential Meta-Analysis, and New Insights From the CLOSE Study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018 Jun 17;7(12):e008356. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.117.008356.
- Background: PubMed 29544871Lee PH, Song JK, Kim JS, Heo R, Lee S, Kim DH, Song JM, Kang DH, Kwon SU, Kang DW, Lee D, Kwon HS, Yun SC, Sun BJ, Park JH, Lee JH, Jeong HS, Song HJ, Kim J, Park SJ. Cryptogenic Stroke and High-Risk Patent Foramen Ovale: The DEFENSE-PFO Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 May 22;71(20):2335-2342. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.02.046. Epub 2018 Mar 12.
- Background: PubMed 28902593Mas JL, Derumeaux G, Guillon B, Massardier E, Hosseini H, Mechtouff L, Arquizan C, Bejot Y, Vuillier F, Detante O, Guidoux C, Canaple S, Vaduva C, Dequatre-Ponchelle N, Sibon I, Garnier P, Ferrier A, Timsit S, Robinet-Borgomano E, Sablot D, Lacour JC, Zuber M, Favrole P, Pinel JF, Apoil M, Reiner P, Lefebvre C, Guerin P, Piot C, Rossi R, Dubois-Rande JL, Eicher JC, Meneveau N, Lusson JR, Bertrand B, Schleich JM, Godart F, Thambo JB, Leborgne L, Michel P, Pierard L, Turc G, Barthelet M, Charles-Nelson A, Weimar C, Moulin T, Juliard JM, Chatellier G; CLOSE Investigators. Patent Foramen Ovale Closure or Anticoagulation vs. Antiplatelets after Stroke. N Engl J Med. 2017 Sep 14;377(11):1011-1021. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1705915.
- Background: PubMed 23514286Carroll JD, Saver JL, Thaler DE, Smalling RW, Berry S, MacDonald LA, Marks DS, Tirschwell DL; RESPECT Investigators. Closure of patent foramen ovale versus medical therapy after cryptogenic stroke. N Engl J Med. 2013 Mar 21;368(12):1092-100. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1301440.
- Background: PubMed 23514285Meier B, Kalesan B, Mattle HP, Khattab AA, Hildick-Smith D, Dudek D, Andersen G, Ibrahim R, Schuler G, Walton AS, Wahl A, Windecker S, Juni P; PC Trial Investigators. Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale in cryptogenic embolism. N Engl J Med. 2013 Mar 21;368(12):1083-91. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1211716.
- Background: PubMed 22417252Furlan AJ, Reisman M, Massaro J, Mauri L, Adams H, Albers GW, Felberg R, Herrmann H, Kar S, Landzberg M, Raizner A, Wechsler L; CLOSURE I Investigators. Closure or medical therapy for cryptogenic stroke with patent foramen ovale. N Engl J Med. 2012 Mar 15;366(11):991-9. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1009639.
- Background: PubMed 30141306Pristipino C, Sievert H, D'Ascenzo F, Mas JL, Meier B, Scacciatella P, Hildick-Smith D, Gaita F, Toni D, Kyrle P, Thomson J, Derumeaux G, Onorato E, Sibbing D, Germonpre P, Berti S, Chessa M, Bedogni F, Dudek D, Hornung M, Zamorano J; European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI); European Stroke Organisation (ESO); European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA); European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI); Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC); ESC Working group on GUCH; ESC Working group on Thrombosis; European Haematological Society (EHA). European position paper on the management of patients with patent foramen ovale. General approach and left circulation thromboembolism. EuroIntervention. 2019 Jan 20;14(13):1389-1402. doi: 10.4244/EIJ-D-18-00622. No abstract available.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Giuseppe Tarantini, MD, PhD, FESC principal investigator
University of Padova
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing PFO Closure procedure in people with Patent Foramen Ovale and Stroke, run by Giuseppe Tarantini at 1 site in Germany.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 28 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Daniela Ramaccini, PhD, PharmaD (+39 3534390426, d.ramaccini@endocorelab.org), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Composite endpoint of recurrent ischemic stroke, TIA, or all-cause death at 12 months (time frame: 12 months after the procedure). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07380490, which also lists 8 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Oct 2026.