Merrill P. Spencer, MD to Present PFO Study at the ICDS 2004 Congress

SEATTLE, WA – September 13, 2004 – Dr. Merrill P. Spencer has been selected by the organizing committee for the 14^th International Congress of Cardiac Doppler Society (ICDS 2004) to present his latest study Diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale and Assessment of Transcatheter Closure Using Power M-Mode Transcranial Doppler.

Dr. Spencer’s study compares the findings of PFO at cardiac catheterization to the accuracy of Digital Power M-Mode™ Transcranial Doppler and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).  The study concludes that Digital Power M-Mode™ Transcranial Doppler, with its 33 gates and display of embolic tracks of shunted bubbles, has the highest sensitivity and accuracy to find a PFO at catheterization, while providing an improved non-invasive method for diagnosing PFO and evaluating residual shunting after closure.

Dr. Spencer is among seven other finalists that will give oral presentations during a special award session at ICDS 2004, September 17-19, 2004 in Seoul, Korea.  The Daniel Kalmanson’s Award was established to acknowledge and support medical professionals and researchers who contribute to the development and application of cardiac Doppler technology.

About Merrill P. Spencer, MD
Dr. Merrill Spencer is a pioneer and world leader in the development of cardiovascular instrumentation and clinical techniques.  He has been awarded four patents and has published over 300 articles in scientific publications, as well as two textbooks relating to cardiovascular physiology and diagnosis.  He completed his MD at Baylor University, Houston in 1945.  His career highlights include being a Fulbright fellow, founding the Institute of Applied Physiology and Medicine, and co-founding Spencer Technologies.  Dr. Spencer is currently the Medical Director for Spencer Vascular Diagnostic Services in Seattle, WA.