Operational use and patient monitoring in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber

Abstract

Multiplace hyperbaric chambers can be used to deliver patient care with enormous flexibility. Standard critical care techniques, such as mechanical ventilation, endotracheal suctioning, hemodynamic monitoring, blood gas measurement, and emergency therapy such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including defibrillation and cardioversion, can all be performed inside a multiplace chamber. The multiplace chamber can be considered an extension of the intensive care unit. This flexibility is accompanied by increased complexity of chamber operation. Careful attention must be paid to minimization of fire hazards and maintenance of a safe chamber atmosphere. Although life support apparatus can easily be taken inside the chamber and will usually work under hyperbaric conditions, care must be given to facilitate the benefits to the patient of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in the face of potential risks associated with rapid changes in environmental pressure and the partial pressures of the component gases.