Patent Ductus

[Flippy15]

At the age of 18 months I had a patent ductus operation - the sugery was done by opening my chest wall through my back.
I am now 28 years old and in good health - I have had no problems with any other activity - cross country running/sky diving included.
Does this operation automatically preclude me from scuba diving?

Any advice on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Philippa

 

[DocVikingo]

In the prospective diver with a corrected patent ductus arteriosus it would be important that there be no post-repair history of endocarditis or congestive heart failure. There should also be no evidence of worrisome heart sounds, or imaging findings of potentially meaningful enlargement of the heart, pulmonary vascular disease or residual blood flow through the ductus arteriosus.

Individuals in good health whose work up is negative for such features and who are able to place considerable load on the cardiopulmonary system, such as that from vigorous exercise like cross-country skiing, without signs/symptoms likely have had good result from their surgery and could handle the possible rigors of scuba.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such. Clearance to dive should be obtained from a treating or examining cardiologist.

Best regards.

DocVikingo