Hyperbaric Chamber

Use of pure oxygen to speed up wound recovery and treat respiratory conditions.

Hyperbaric Chamber

A hyperbaric chamber is a pressurized structure that allows patients to breathe pure oxygen at pressures higher than normal atmospheric pressure (usually between 1.2- and 3-times atmospheric pressure). There are two types of hyperbaric chambers: single-sitter (for a single patient) and multi-sitter (for several patients).

Potential benefits:

1. Improved oxygenation: The additional pressure of oxygen can increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, improving oxygenation of tissues and organs.

2. Promotion of healing: Hyperbaric therapy is used to accelerate wound healing, especially in cases of chronic wounds, burns, and diabetic ulcers.

3. Treatment of decompression sickness: It is effective in treating decompression sickness in divers and decompression illness in high-risk workers (e.g., in submarine work).

4. Treatment of severe infections: It is used as an adjunct to treat severe infections, such as necrotizing soft tissue infections or gas gangrene.

5. Treatment of radiation injuries: It can help reduce inflammation and promote recovery in patients who have received radiation therapy for cancer.

6. Hyperbaric chambers are used in a variety of clinical situations, such as the treatment of chronic wounds, burns, diabetic ulcers, decompression sickness in divers, carbon monoxide poisoning, and to improve recovery after reconstructive surgeries and traumas.

Risks and Side Effects: Hyperbaric treatment can cause side effects such as barotrauma or changes in ear pressure, and in rare cases, seizures due to high oxygen concentration.