Clear answers before your scan.

It uses agitated saline contrast during echocardiography to look for a right-to-left shunt, including a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). DiveEcho uses a dive-specific protocol with resting and provoked injections, graded shunt scoring and a diver-specific report.

A Patent Foramen Ovale is a small flap-like opening between the right and left atria. Around 25–30% of adults have one. In most people it causes no symptoms and requires no treatment, although it may be relevant to certain forms of decompression illness in divers.

During ascent, nitrogen bubbles can form in the venous circulation. Normally they are filtered by the lungs. If a PFO is present, bubbles may pass to the left side of the heart and enter the systemic circulation, which can increase the risk of neurological, cutaneous or inner ear decompression illness.

Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) is a sensitive measure of ventricular function and may detect subtle changes before they appear on standard imaging. GLS requires clear views and may not be achievable in every service user.

A report is prepared for appropriate clinical review. It can be shared with your GP, a UKDMC-approved diving doctor or your cardiologist. They will advise on the relevance of the findings to your diving activities and wider care.

Once your scan is arranged, you will receive confirmation, pre-scan instructions and an information leaflet to aid consent. Follow the information supplied for your specific appointment and contact DiveEcho if anything is unclear.

DiveEcho offers flexible slots throughout the week, including evenings, with the aim of fitting around work, training and dive schedules. Current availability is confirmed through the enquiry process.

Yes. The price of the flagship bubble-contrast echocardiogram includes a standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) study. Contact DiveEcho for current pricing.

SonoVue can enhance endocardial definition when acoustic windows are challenging. It may support detailed ventricular assessment or further assessment of cardiac masses such as thrombus or tumours, where clinically appropriate.

All scans take place in the Cardiac Investigations Department at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2PW. Directions and parking information are supplied by the DiveEcho team.