PFO Diagnosis

[rjack321]

I was wondering the same thing, Dan.

Because the first time you take an "unexpected" hit on helium you may be pretty
F-ked up.

Pfos are also so-so correlated to strokes and necrotic brain lesions. Oh and migraines.

 

[rjack321]

So if you have PFO which only opens when straining would that be something that needs repaired or would that typically be something to leave alone?

The 3rd option is to change your diving practices.

 

[airsix]

Pfos are also so-so correlated to strokes and necrotic brain lesions. Oh and migraines.

The evidence is strong enough that I'm thinking about being tested. One of the studies I read found that some of the divers examined (sport divers mind you, not tech divers) had brain lesions. Of the divers with brain lesions, ALL had PFOs. None of these divers had ever experienced DCS.

If I have a PFO I could unknowingly be causing brain damage with each dive.

-Ben

ps - I'm glad to hear the TCD test is the good one. Spencer Vascular in Seattle does this test for $300 (total cost out the door).

 

[rjack321]

The evidence is strong enough that I'm thinking about being tested. One of the studies I read found that some of the divers examined (sport divers mind you, not tech divers) had brain lesions. Of the divers with brain lesions, ALL had PFOs. None of these divers had ever experienced DCS.

If I have a PFO I could unknowingly be causing brain damage with each dive.

-Ben

ps - I'm glad to hear the TCD test is the good one. Spencer Vascular in Seattle does this test for $300 (total cost out the door).

Yeah the TCD seems good enough to give you confidence that you aren't at unusually high risk. A small loss of sensitivity in exchange for the expensive sedation of TEE.

I actually just had one done. Takes 20 mins + one pediatric IV of agitated saline.

The tech told me they are getting more and more divers in all the time.

 

[limeyx]

Yeah the TCD seems good enough to give you confidence that you aren't at unusually high risk. A small loss of sensitivity in exchange for the expensive sedation of TEE.

I actually just had one done. Takes 20 mins + one pediatric IV of agitated saline.

The tech told me they are getting more and more divers in all the time.

You had TCD or TEE? presumably you are clear?

 

[adjuster-jd]

Anyone know of any facilities in Ohio offering the TCD testing?
Sounds like this is the way to go.

 

[rakkis]

Indiana too please!

 

[ArcticDiver]

Just a note for your consideration.

Before you make a decision go to www.scubadoc.com. Haven't been there in awhile. But last time there was quite a section on this subject. My memory is that the site didn't recommend routine testing.

 

[limeyx]

Just a note for your consideration.

Before you make a decision go to www.scubadoc.com. Haven't been there in awhile. But last time there was quite a section on this subject. My memory is that the site didn't recommend routine testing.

for recreational diving, I think unless you really think you have a PFO, a test is not necessary.

Once you start doing more aggressive dives, it seems more prudent (I am still figuring out what to do)

 

[Vie]

At my physical today I asked my doctor about testing for a PFO and he was happy to prescribe a cardiac echocardiogram with a bubble test.

I believe the gold standard is a TEE with bubble test.

What is the "bubble test" part?