PFO and Diving: Understanding and Managing the Risks
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a normal variant found in around 25% of the population that results in a flap between the two upper chambers of the heart. This flap can allow the passage of bubbles from the venous system into the arterial system, which may result in decompression sickness (DCS). This presentation will cover the anatomy and pathophysiology of PFO as it relates to divers and DCS, management strategies to decrease the risk of DCS in the presence of a PFO, and PFO closure — a controversial procedure used in a small subset of divers who experience certain forms of DCS.
Presented By: Douglas Ebersole, MD