Patent foramen ovale and the risk of paradoxical embolization of venous bubbles in divers – cave for foam sclerotization of varicose veins

Abstract

Prevalence of significant PFO was 14% in a nonelected cohort of divers. Simulated dive shows that PRO is a risk factor for paradoxical embolization.

The foam sclerotization is a risk for patients with PFO because of possible embolization of bubbles into the brain.

Keywords

• patent foramen ovale
• foam sclerotization