Status Post ASD repair

[sgj]

I've got a 15 year old patient, who had an Atrial Septal Defect repaired at age 7. He is, of course asymptomatic. And he wants to learn to Scuba dive. Can he?

 

[Drew Sailbum]

From the RSTC GUIDELINES FOR RECREATIONAL SCUBA DIVER’S PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

Severe Risks
Venous emboli,commonly produced during decompression, may cross major intracardiac right-to-left shunts and enter the cerebral or spinal cord circulations causing neurological decompression illness.

Now, I'm no physician, but it seems that if you can show conclusively that the ASD is completely closed, then this may not be a factor. A call to Diver's Alert Network would be wise for further advice on this point.

Of course, other factors should be considered and a review of the complete Physician's Guidelines would be prudent.

 

[wandernsoul]

Well, I'll give you my $.02. I had an ASD repaired when I was 21 (primary closure) and started diving at 37. A few hundred dives later, and I've had no problems whatsoever associated with my heart surgery. I would have started diving earlier had I known how amazing it is!!!
Best wishes to your patient.

 

[sgj]

The problem that I face like one of the earlier posts implied is the issue akin to Patent Foramen Ovale. I wonder if a doppler Echo would suffice in determining this. I have referred him onto a cardiologist... I would like further thoughts on this issue. I think it is an interesting topic... Perhaps some of the physician- divers on the board would reply!