Abstract

Background

Decompression sickness is a diving-related disease that results in various clinical manifestations, ranging from joint pain to severe pulmonary and CNS affection. Complications of this disease may sometimes persist even after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In addition, it may hamper the quality of life by forcing divers to restrict their recreational practice. The presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) increases the risk of decompression sickness by facilitating air embolization. Therefore, PFO closure may play a role in reducing such complications. However, PFO closure remains associated with its own set of risks and complications. We sought to assess the benefit and harm of PFO closure for the prevention of decompression sickness in divers.