Does persistent (patent) foramen ovale closure reduce the risk of recurrent decompression sickness in scuba divers?

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Interatrial communication is associated with an increased risk of decompression sickness (DCS) in scuba diving. It has been proposed that there would be a decreased risk of DCS after closure of the interatrial communication, i.e., persistent (patent) foramen ovale (PFO). However, the clinical evidence supporting this is limited.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed to identify Swedish scuba divers with a history of DCS and catheter closure of an interatrial communication. Thereafter, phone interviews were conducted with questions regarding diving and DCS. All Swedish divers who had had catheter-based PFO-closure because of DCS were followed up, assessing post-closure diving habits and recurrent DCS.

Results

Nine divers, all with a PFO, were included. Eig

SUBMITTER: Edvinsson B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8313773 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature