Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hi, I am a 20 year old mother of 2 children. ( 2 yr old and a 3 month old). I work full time as a Medical Assistant and a manager at Burger King. During my recent pregnancy I was experiencing episodes of dizziness and passing out. So I had to stop driving. It was discovered that may have a congenital cardiac abnormality. Recently a Cardiac Specialist performed a TEE procedure. Here are the results ( as written in my medical chart) It was discovered I have a large 5mm-7mm Patent Foremen Ovale or small ASD equivalent PFO with bidirectional shunt (positive contrast study for R-L shunt and left to right shunt on color Doppler). Normal LV wall thickness and cavity size with normal LV systolic function. No regional wall motion abnormality. RV size and systolic function appear normal. Consider Device closure of PFO since patient has recurrent TIA-like symptoms or syncpal episodes. My cardiologist advises against the surgery even though he sent me to see a top cardiac surgeon for further work up and to confirm the diagnosis. The surgeon feels the surgery should be performed while I am still young to prevent complications in the future and because I have been symptomatic with episodes of TIA and Syncope. I am not sure whose advice to follow. Please share with me the risks and benefits of this surgery. I need your help and professional advice.
[|AI|]  Hello, Many patients have PFO, and it may be found during a routine examination with cardiac ultrasound. Since you have had symptoms, especially in your pregnancy it may be considered to close this defect.  Your heart looks in great form. The closure may be done without surgery, with a device that can go there through cardiac catheterization from an interventional cardiologist. It is less invasive and more safely. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Chat Doctor.