DDM-
Thank you. Since the cardiologist just ordered the procedure without an IV, and he and the tech both knew that I wanted to check for a PFO, does that suggest I should find a sharper cardiologist? (Putting that diplomatically, I hope.) Who will order the procedure with contrast, at the least?
I'm not sure how finding one would affect my diving, since I'm already conservative. But confirming that I don't have to worry about one, would give me one less thing to be concerned with. There's enough FUD propagated by the diving industry, so when it comes to more objective medical issues that have more finite answers (i.e. there is or isn't a PFO) I like to make properly informed decisions.
With DCS these days...onceuponatime we had the USN tables, period. Now there's Bühlmann, RGBM, revised secret proprietary untested tables in every computer...as the joke goes, I'm sure there's a pony in that pile.(G)