As a tech diving interventional cardiologist and the co-principle investigator for DAN's PFO study with Dr. Denoble, I would agree with everything above.
Bullet points:
1. 25% of patients and, thus, 25% of divers will have a PFO
2. PFOs may increase the risk of DCS by 2-5% but the ABSOLUTE risk of DCS in divers with PFO is still VERY small
3. There is NO REASON to get tested for a PFO prior to any form of dive training as the risk/benefit ratio does not justify treating it even if one is found.
4. TCD is helpful if it is normal
5. The most sensitive/specific test for the diagnosis of a PFO is a transesophageal echo with the injection of bubble contrast
Doug
Bullet points:
1. 25% of patients and, thus, 25% of divers will have a PFO
2. PFOs may increase the risk of DCS by 2-5% but the ABSOLUTE risk of DCS in divers with PFO is still VERY small
3. There is NO REASON to get tested for a PFO prior to any form of dive training as the risk/benefit ratio does not justify treating it even if one is found.
4. TCD is helpful if it is normal
5. The most sensitive/specific test for the diagnosis of a PFO is a transesophageal echo with the injection of bubble contrast
Doug
