What Researchers Did
Researchers studied 47 divers to see if closing a hole in the heart (PFO) with a catheter stopped air bubbles from entering the arteries after simulated dives.
What They Found
After simulated dives, divers with an open PFO had arterial bubbles in 32% of cases after an 18-meter dive and 88% after a 50-meter dive. However, divers who had their PFO closed showed no arterial bubbles (0%) after either dive. There was no significant difference in venous bubbles between the groups.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian divers with a PFO, this study suggests that closing the PFO could prevent arterial bubbles, which are a risk factor for decompression sickness. This intervention might offer a way to reduce the risk of serious diving-related injuries for those affected.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. No direct Canadian connection or authors were identified.
Study Limitations
This was an observational study with a relatively small number of participants, which might limit the generalizability of the findings.