Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale for the secondary prevention of decompression illness in professional divers: a single-centre experience with long-term follow-up.

Abstract

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) with occasional right-to-left shunting is associated with an increased risk of decompression illness (DCI). Divers with a history of repetitive or severe DCI and diagnosed with PFO should be considered for transcatheter closure if they wish to continue with unrestricted diving.