Diagnosing PFO : Cost?

[KD8NPB]

About how much does it cost to get a transthoracic echocardiogram done?

I have yet to start technical training, but I would like to know if I'm a walking potential case for DCI before I start.

 

[Bob Sherwood]

I would suggest starting with a TCD, trancs cranial doppler. Much less and even free in some places and non invasive. Since you are on the east coast, try looking up respect trial locations. They are using TCD screening for potential candidates to study. Best, bob 6077653942

About how much does it cost to get a transthoracic echocardiogram done?

I have yet to start technical training, but I would like to know if I'm a walking potential case for DCI before I start.

 

[TSandM]

I'm with Bob. A friend got a TCD done for about $300 in the Seattle area. An Echo is going to cost you at least that much, and may not spot the shunt -- whether bubbles are crossing to the arterial circulation is what you really want to know, and the TCD will tell you that. If it's positive, you would have to go on to a further study to confirm the anatomy of the shunt, but if it's negative, you're done. I went for a TCD.