Abstract
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with increased risk of decompression sickness (DCS) in divers due to paradoxical embolization of nitrogen bubbles from venous blood to systemic circulation. Despite the high prevalence of PFO, many important questions, including optimal screen--ing, risk stratification and management strategy, remain unanswered.
Recently published data suggest possible effectiveness of PFO closure as well as conservative diving measures in preventing arterial gas embolization. This review aims to introduce the basic principles of physiology and pathophysiology of bubble formation and to summarize current literature on PFO and diving and review the possibilities of management of symp-tomatic divers.