What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of four observational studies to assess the benefits and harms of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for preventing decompression sickness in divers.
What They Found
The meta-analysis of 309 divers found that PFO closure was associated with a significantly lower incidence of decompression sickness (2.84% in the closure group vs. 11.3% in the no closure group). This represents a risk ratio of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.89), meaning 11 divers would need to undergo PFO closure to prevent one case of decompression sickness.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian divers who experience decompression sickness and have a patent foramen ovale, PFO closure might be a consideration to reduce future risk. This intervention could potentially improve their quality of life by allowing them to continue recreational diving with reduced complications.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The findings are based on a meta-analysis of observational studies, which inherently carry a risk of bias and cannot establish causation definitively.