The foramen ovale is an important orifice during fetal life. The foramen ovale is located between the left and right atria, is used for blood shunting during fetal life, and usually closes after birth. If the foramen ovale is not closed in a newborn, it can be rechecked periodically. If it remains unclosed until about 1 year of age, it can be treated. Treatment begins with a cardiac ultrasound, which is used to determine the size and location of the foramen ovale. If the location of the foramen ovale is more centralized and the defect is smaller, it can be treated with a blockage called atrial defect blockage. In addition, there is a surgical treatment called foramen ovale blockage. Generally, medications are not effective and surgery is necessary to close the foramen ovale.