Hyperbaric Medicine

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is the inhalation of 100% oxygen inside a treatment chamber at a pressure greater than sea level.

Breathing in an increased oxygen concentration under pressure is beneficial as it:

• increases the amount of oxygen in the blood
• stimulates the growth of new blood vessels
• reduces tissue swelling
• decreases free gas in the body
• slows the production of toxins and kills anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that do not live or grow in the presence of oxygen)
• promotes healing by increasing oxygen flow to blood deprived tissue

Hyperbaric medicine is best known for treating decompression illness (the bends). It is also useful for treating a range of conditions including:

• Arterial gas embolism both as a result of diving and medically induced (e.g. from some types of surgery).
• Arterial insufficiencies including acute retinal artery or vein occlusion (within 12 hours of onset).
• Selected problem wounds where hypoxia can be demonstrated (e.g. diabetic wounds and non-healing ulcers).
• Carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Crush injuries and skeletal muscle compartment syndromes.
• Clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene).
• Compromised skin flaps and grafts.
• Refractory mycoses.
• Refractory osteomyelitis.
• Delayed radiation injuries (soft tissue and bony necrosis).
• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
• Intracranial abscess.
• Necrotising soft tissue infections.
• Severe anaemia.
• Thermal burns.

The number of treatments you will need depends on the medical condition being treated. On average, most patient conditions need 20-40 treatments.

• Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to get ready and for a pre-treatment check-in.
• A specialist hyperbaric doctor will assess your fitness before your first treatment.
• You will be shown how to clear (or equalise) your ears.
• You will be asked to change into cotton clothing.
• Some items are not allowed in the chamber.
• You will be asked to remove:
  • lighters, matches and smoking products
  • make-up, perfumes, aftershaves and hair spray/oil
  • creams, lotions, liniments and ointments
  • petroleum or Vaseline products
  • wigs or hairpieces
  • battery operated or electrical devices
  • synthetics (rayon, nylon etc.) including pantyhose
  • hard contact lenses
  • newspapers
•  Deodorant is permitted in the multiplace chamber.

Compression phase (beginning of treatment)

• It will be noisy due to pressurised air entering the chamber compartment.
• The temperature will warm up and drop to a comfortable level.
• You will feel the change and pressure in your ears, similar to when descending in an aircraft.
• You will be asked to clear your ears to avoid discomfort. If you do have discomfort, please notify your nurse immediately.

Decompression phase (end of treatment)

• The temperature will become colder as air exits the chamber compartment.
• You should feel your ears popping during this phase and you should not have to actively equalise your ears.
• In this phase the pressure changes in your ear, similar to when you drive up a mountain range.
• If you feel uncomfortable during the treatment, please talk to the hyperbaric nurse.
• You can read, rest, sleep, watch a movie or listen to a CD through the audio system when you are in the multiplace chamber.
• No reading material is allowed in the monoplace chamber but you can watch a movie, rest or sleep.

• The hyperbaric doctor will discuss potential uncommon side effects like change in vision.
• We encourage plenty of rest and healthy eating when you return home.
• Smoking and the use of tobacco products is discouraged.
• Our hyperbaric nurses will check on you daily to make sure you are well and fit for your next treatment.