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On Thu, 22 Sep 1994, Nick Simicich wrote:

> Um, I understand that it is actually fairly difficult to check for a 
> PFO while you are still alive.  I heard of one procedure where they did 
> this by injecting bubbles into the blood stream and doing an 
> ?echocardiogram? to see where the circulation was carrying the bubbles?

> I recall them saying that the technique was dangerous enough so that it 
> was not done casually - unless there was a real need to know about the 
> structure of the heart and the circulation.  The article writer indicated 
> that they were unlikely to test live divers for this condition because of 
> the complexity and danger of the test.

Um, this doesn't sound right, either.  The more medically literate can fill
you in in more detail, but there are two tests that I know of, and neither
involves injecting bubbles into the bloodstream (*that* sounds like a 
dangerous practice!).

*.  The first, and more precise, begins with a cardiocatherization.  Dye--
radioactive dye, I think--is injected into the heart, and a monitor--a 
fluoroscope?--is used to determine how the dye is circulated.

*.  The second, and less precise, involves the use of Doppler (?) radar,
and placement of electrodes on various parts of the chest.

The second test is really no big deal--it's not an invasive procedure. 
The first test--well, I had one done way back when I was in college, and 
*that* was more complicated, but I experienced no unpleasant side effects.
Concerns about insurance and expense, however--not to mention the threat
of possible complications--might make the cardiocath route a lot less
attractive in today's climate.

 Phil Pfeiffer, Computer Sci. Dept.  |  Kindness in thought leads to wisdom.
 East Stroudsburg University,        |  Kindness in speech leads to eloquence.
 East Stroudsburg, Pa.  18301-2999   |  Kindness in action leads to love.
 phil@es*.ed*    (717) 424-3820      |                            -- Lao-Tsu

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