In some situations it becomes important to breathe oxygen under pressure ranging from one and one-half to three times the amount considered normal. The process was used at first to prevent early deep-water divers from suffering from decompression sickness during rapid ascents, but today has become an important part of the treatment given to hospital patients with certain types of injuries. Hyperbaric facility upgrading improves the process for hospital staff and patients alike.
During compression, people remain inside a uniquely designed chamber. Untreated air contains around 21% oxygen, and while beneficial, breathing pure oxygen has limited results in most cases. The best outcomes are generated by creating a pure form of this gas that is additionally under greater atmospheric pressure. It can statistically increase the volume of oxygen present in the blood.
For many patients, the outcome is faster and more extensive blood vessel formation, more consistent control of infection, reduced toxicity of some poisons, faster healing of resistant open wounds, and reduced tissue deterioration. Increasing the amount of oxygen delivered throughout the body decreases the probability of obstructions caused by gas bubbles, and encourages thorough healing. Treatments may be as few as two, or may take place daily.
The diseases and injuries that can benefit not only include decompression sickness, but today encompass infections of wounds sustained by diabetics, people who are crushed in accidents, those enduring life-threatening cases of gangrene, and patients with radiation damage from cancer treatments. Those suffering burns may benefit from quicker healing of skin grafts, and victims of carbon monoxide poisoning recover faster.
Facilities exist today primarily in hospitals, and consist of chambers that hold only one individual to those designed to accommodate up to twelve or more. A monoplace chamber has room for a single patient, may be tube shaped, and usually constructed of plastic. Patients recline inside, and a session may last up to two hours or more. The most common side effect is ear-popping due to pressure changes.
The amount of pressure and the time it takes for treatment are dependent on a specific diagnosis, and patient history regarding oxygen response. Some individuals benefit most from a daily regimen, while others require far fewer. In general, this procedure is safe and reliable. Patients with upper respiratory infections or other counter-indications may experience treatment delays.
Inspections takes place on a regular basis in order to review current operations. Often performed by medical consultants, the equipment itself is analyzed during operation, and staff members are asked to present existing issues or problems. Logs of necessary maintenance and operation often define where those improvements are necessary, and whether equipment needs replacing.
Upgrading to state-of-the-art equipment benefits both patients and staff. Not only does an improved facility provide better care, but is important for hospital administrators controlling the financial bottom line. Consultants can provide solid statistics that reveal cost savings compared to the amount needed to invest in improvements. Installation of improved equipment is coordinated to prevent any interruption in patient scheduling.
During compression, people remain inside a uniquely designed chamber. Untreated air contains around 21% oxygen, and while beneficial, breathing pure oxygen has limited results in most cases. The best outcomes are generated by creating a pure form of this gas that is additionally under greater atmospheric pressure. It can statistically increase the volume of oxygen present in the blood.
For many patients, the outcome is faster and more extensive blood vessel formation, more consistent control of infection, reduced toxicity of some poisons, faster healing of resistant open wounds, and reduced tissue deterioration. Increasing the amount of oxygen delivered throughout the body decreases the probability of obstructions caused by gas bubbles, and encourages thorough healing. Treatments may be as few as two, or may take place daily.
The diseases and injuries that can benefit not only include decompression sickness, but today encompass infections of wounds sustained by diabetics, people who are crushed in accidents, those enduring life-threatening cases of gangrene, and patients with radiation damage from cancer treatments. Those suffering burns may benefit from quicker healing of skin grafts, and victims of carbon monoxide poisoning recover faster.
Facilities exist today primarily in hospitals, and consist of chambers that hold only one individual to those designed to accommodate up to twelve or more. A monoplace chamber has room for a single patient, may be tube shaped, and usually constructed of plastic. Patients recline inside, and a session may last up to two hours or more. The most common side effect is ear-popping due to pressure changes.
The amount of pressure and the time it takes for treatment are dependent on a specific diagnosis, and patient history regarding oxygen response. Some individuals benefit most from a daily regimen, while others require far fewer. In general, this procedure is safe and reliable. Patients with upper respiratory infections or other counter-indications may experience treatment delays.
Inspections takes place on a regular basis in order to review current operations. Often performed by medical consultants, the equipment itself is analyzed during operation, and staff members are asked to present existing issues or problems. Logs of necessary maintenance and operation often define where those improvements are necessary, and whether equipment needs replacing.
Upgrading to state-of-the-art equipment benefits both patients and staff. Not only does an improved facility provide better care, but is important for hospital administrators controlling the financial bottom line. Consultants can provide solid statistics that reveal cost savings compared to the amount needed to invest in improvements. Installation of improved equipment is coordinated to prevent any interruption in patient scheduling.
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