General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: So let me see if I've got this straight... [View all]hue
(4,949 posts)Patent Foramen Ovale or Atrial Septal Defect are not uncommon. Many folks live their lifetime without ever knowing and some have several holes of varying sizes. There is def a risk of stroke from this condition esp as the person grows older. The condition is usually diagnosed with a trans esophageal echocardiogram (ECHO).
The person with this condition should be on anticoagulants to prevent a stroke.
There is a safe & relatively quick solution if a person shows symptoms of a "stroke". It is a procedure called ASD or PFO closure which involves a cardiology interventionalist using a catheter to access the heart a deploying a mesh over the hole/s which then becomes incorporated into the Pt's septum and closes the hole. The procedure takes about an hour. There is no incision but just a small catheter hole usually in the Pt's right groin. It is usually tolerated very well.
Not all hospitals do this procedure and it is best to search for one that will accept You and assist You with financial counseling.
As far as single payer goes the Affordable Care Act has a provision for this if the state decides to go this route as Vermont did. I doubt if national single payer would have passed in this political climate as the ACA was blocked ferociously as You know. But if and when states can get their constituents together and pass this--I think in the future more will--the DOOR IS OPEN to them.