Hyperbaric Facility Upgrading Benefits Patients And Saves Money

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Both patients and hospital staff benefit from an upgrade to state-of-the art facilities. Not only do improvements increase the quality of care, but are very important to administrators responsible for cost controls. Consultants present solid statistics that detail projected financial savings as well as the amount of necessary investment in new equipment. The process is ongoing, and does not significantly interrupt treatment schedules.




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