Hyperbaric Facility Upgrading Benefits Patients And Saves Money

By Janine Hughes


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 injuries and illnesses helped by this type of therapy not only include those related to decompression, but also involve stubborn sores common to diabetic people, injuries sustained by crushing, gangrene that threatens to spread, and the damage caused by cancer radiation treatments. People who have suffered extensive burns and grafting heal more rapidly, and carbon monoxide poisoning victims also benefit.

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 duration and amount of pressure depends primarily on the diagnosis, and positive patient response to previous oxygen therapy. Some may need to spend time in a chamber on a daily basis, while others may need fewer treatments. In most cases the procedure is considered extremely safe, but may cause problems for patients who have upper respiratory infections or other types of counter-indications.

Facilities inspections are conducted regularly to review and analyze daily operations. They are often completed by experienced medical consultants. The equipment is analyzed during real-time use, and associated staff are ask to present any relevant issues or problems they have previously encountered. Operation and maintenance logs provide a record of daily use, and help indicate when replacement is needed.

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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