Applications

1825 – Transcranial Doppler bubble test for patent foramen ovale

Find out about the service or technology in application 1825 and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input, and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Pre-assessment
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation Open
  • Pre-MSAC consultation Not yet started
  • Outcome Pending

Application details

Applicant

Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Ltd

Reason for application

New Medicare Benefits Schedule item

Service or technology in this application

The application proposes using the transcranial Doppler (TCD) bubble test to test currently unaffected or asymptomatic individual(s) identified as at increased risk of patent foramen ovale (PFO) related stroke. The TCD bubble test uses ultrasound to measure blood flow in the arteries of the brain. The test is done at rest, after injecting salty water mixed with small air bubbles into a vein in the arm, and again while the person performs a Valsalva manoeuvre. This manoeuvre involves breathing out forcefully without letting air escape, which increases pressure in the chest. The salty water is mixed with a small amount of air and the person’s own blood using a syringe. In people with a PFO, the TCD machine detects tiny air bubbles reaching the brain arteries. These appear as signals on the screen and can be heard as chirping sounds. A large PFO causes many signals, forming what is known as a curtain response.

Medical condition this application addresses

PFO associated stroke is a type of stroke linked to a common heart difference present from birth, called a patent foramen ovale or PFO. A PFO is a small tunnel between the right and left upper chambers of the heart. It occurs in about 25% of people. In a small number of these people, a blood clot can pass through the PFO, or form inside it, and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

Consultation survey and deadlines

We welcome input from everyone. We are especially keen to hear from those with lived experience of the health condition, service or technology the application is addressing.   

Before providing your input, please read our Privacy Notice for MSAC consultation input to ensure you are comfortable with how we will use your input.  

The following consultation deadlines apply:

  • Pre-PASC consultation deadline: Friday 10 July 2026 11:59pm AEST
  • Pre-MSAC consultation deadline: To be confirmed

For other ways to provide input, see how to have your say.

Find out more about consultation.

Meetings to consider this application

This application will be considered at the following meetings:

  • PASC meeting: 13 to 14 August 2026
  • ESC meeting: To be confirmed
  • MSAC meeting: To be confirmed

Find out more about our meetings.

Outcome details

The outcome of this application is pending.

More information

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