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By Janine Hughes


It is sometimes therapeutically necessary to breathe oxygen that has been pressurized from one and one-half to three times its state under normal atmospheric conditions. First used as a method of preventing deep-water divers from experiencing the agony of decompression sickness, commonly called the bends, this treatment has become common for people who need specific types of medical attention. Hyperbaric facility upgrading improves existing hospital systems for both patients and staff.

Patients enter and remains inside a type of chamber during compression. Normal air is composed of 21% oxygen, and there are somewhat limited benefits to simply breathing a pure mixture. The most medically significant results can be produced by providing a pure form of oxygen that is also under pressure, which measurably increases the amount of that gas present in the bloodstream.

This is important for a number of reasons. Blood vessels form and grow more rapidly, there is less deterioration of damaged tissue, stubborn wounds common in diabetics begin to heal, and the toxicity of certain poisons is reduced. Increasing the amount of oxygen within all body tissues decreases the chances of developing an obstruction due to gas bubbles, and speeds the recovery process. Treatments can be as few as two, or may be necessary daily.

Common injuries and illnesses that show improvement under this regimen not only encompass decompression-related problems, but today include controlling infections in diabetic wounds, encouraging more rapid recovery of crushing injuries, fighting threatening cases of gangrene, and combating the effects of radiation used to treat cancer victims. People recovering from serious burns accept grafts more readily, and carbon monoxide poisoning cases detoxify rapidly.

This type of facility is normally located within a hospital, and includes chambers ranging from individual sizes to those that can hold a dozen people. Monoplace facilities accommodate one person, are made of plastic, and are often shaped like tubes. An individual reclines inside while atop a table, and remains for two or more hours. Common side effects include ear-popping caused by air pressure changes.

A specific diagnosis determines how much pressure is applied and for how long, in addition to patient history regarding therapeutic oxygen. Some people are scheduled on a daily basis, while others may need far fewer treatments. In most instances the procedure is completely safe, but is not recommended for those who currently have upper respiratory issues or other conditions that may force treatment delays.

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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