Hyperbaric treatment, also called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT, involves breathing pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber to treat conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning. HBOT is commonly used to treat wounds that won’t heal or cases of decompression sickness. Pure oxygen in a pressurized environment can improve blood oxygenation, promoting the body’s ability to fight bacteria. Here is more information about the types of equipment HBOT professionals use during treatment sessions:
Hyperbaric Chambers
A hyperbaric chamber creates a pressurized environment for the HBOT sessions. Patients enter the chamber, and then pure oxygen is delivered at higher-than-normal air pressure levels. This pressurized environment can help the lungs absorb more oxygen into the bloodstream to stimulate healing. There are two types of hyperbaric chambers: monoplace and multiplace.
Monoplace chambers are designed to fit one person, and the patient enters by lying on a padded table that slides into the chamber. The shell of monoplace chambers is often made of clear acrylic, and patients can communicate with staff through intercoms. Multiplace chambers can accommodate more people at once, and patients can breathe oxygen through hoods or masks. Patients in multiplace chambers lie or sit on stretchers or reclining chairs, and they can talk to each other and staff members during treatment sessions. They enter and exit the multiplace chamber through an airlock.
Ventilators
Patients with respiratory conditions can experience problems breathing the concentrated oxygen normally. A ventilator can help provide mechanical breathing support for patients who find it difficult to breathe on their own. The ventilator delivers oxygen to the lungs through a tube. The tube is inserted into the patient’s nose, mouth, or a hole or incision in the throat. Delivering oxygen directly to the lungs can make absorption easier, allowing patients with respiratory conditions to enjoy the benefits of hyperbaric treatment.
Timers and Gauges
As a safety precaution, clinical HBOT sessions have to be timed to avoid complications. A timer can help indicate the duration of treatment and help prevent oxygen over-exposure. Timing sessions can also help patients and providers stick to the decompression schedule for the most effective results. When the pressure is too high within a hyperbaric chamber, it can cause discomfort or complications. A pressure gauge can help prevent such complications by measuring pressure levels inside the chamber in units. This gauge can help HBOT specialists monitor the duration and intensity of treatment and adjust it accordingly.
Monitors
A patient’s body can indicate if anything goes wrong within the hyperbaric chamber. Clinicians often want to monitor the patient’s vitals so they can react in time if anything happens. A medical monitoring system tracks and displays the patient’s vitals, like oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure. This can help HBOT specialists keep tabs on the patient’s condition and treatment response throughout the therapy session. Monitors can also display signs of distress, including irregular heart rhythm, low oxygen levels, or high blood pressure.
Defibrillators
In the case that a patient experiences cardiac distress during treatment, specialists keep defibrillators on hand. Cardiac arrest can cause the heart to stop beating effectively, losing blood circulation and affecting oxygen delivery to major organs. Cardiac arrest can result from oxygen toxicity, heart disease, or drug overdose. Defibrillators can help detect abnormal heartbeats in the event of a cardiac arrest. In such cases, the device sends electric shocks to help restore the normal heart rhythm. Restarting the heart can help restore blood flow and oxygen to cells and organs.
Thermometers and Humidity Meters
Extreme heat, cold, or dryness can cause discomfort for patients during their sessions. A thermometer and humidity meter can monitor temperature and moisture levels inside the chamber. This can help maintain stable and comfortable conditions for patients during their sessions. The humidity meter can also help HBOT specialists properly adjust oxygen humidifiers to help reduce the risk of infection.
Fire Extinguishing Systems
Fire can be a serious risk in a hyperbaric chamber since oxygen can promote combustion. While HBOT experts try to prevent sparks or flames within the chamber, they have a fire extinguishing system in place as a safety precaution. Fire extinguishers or sprinkler systems can help control fire hazards within the oxygen-rich chamber.
Schedule Your Hyperbaric Treatment
Hyperbaric treatment involves breathing pure oxygen within a pressurized environment as a medical procedure to help treat conditions like decompression sickness. HBOT allows your lungs to absorb more oxygen which can help promote healing. HBOT professionals use various hyperbaric equipment to improve comfort for patients with different conditions. Schedule a consultation with an HBOT specialist to learn more about the equipment used in hyperbaric treatment.
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