Douglas Ebersole, MD (and avid technical diver and instructor) will provide insight into the incidence, etiology, and prognosis of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the general population and divers in particular.  Additionally, ways to decrease the incidence of decompression sickness (DCS) in divers with PFO will be discussed.  This will include information on changing diving practices as well as percutaneous closure options.  Finally, the latest information from the Divers Alert Network sponsored PFO and DCS five year prospective study will be presented.