AIR OR GAS EMBOLISM The treatment of choice for air or gas embolism of the arterial or venous system is recompression in a hyperbaric chamber. Recompression is indicated for the following types of air emboli: Surgical Diagnostic Procedures Renal Dialysis Pulmonary Over-Pressure During Scuba Diving Cardiovascular Surgery When gases enter the vasculature in sufficient volume to compromise the function of an organ or body part, the process can create varying degrees of ischemia to the affected areas. Treatment is most effective when initiated within minutes of the incident. However, evidence has shown that delayed and repeat treatment has demonstrated a means to a more expedient recovery. RATIONALE: Recompression of gas bubbles as well as the rescue of hypoxic tissue by way of HBO2 treatment is the only form of treatment known. HBO2 reduces the mortality rate and remedies the development of permanent neurological damage. Repeated HBO2 treatments after the initial recompression hastens the resolution of residual signs in some cases. Source: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Committee Report. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. 1996 Revision. Approved Indications Air or Gas Embolism Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Smoke Inhalation Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Complicated by Cyanide Poisoning Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene) Crush Injury, Compartment Syndrome, Acute Traumatic Ischemias Decompression Sickness (the "Bends") Enhancement of Healing in Selected Problem Wounds Exceptional Blood Loss (Anemia) Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections Osteomyelitis (Refractory) Radiation Tissue Damage (Osteoradionecrosis) Skin Grafts and Flaps (Compromised) Thermal Burns Select from List About Us --Why We Are Here --Key Players and Staff Travel and Accommodations Contact Us Links Site Map Treatment --What is HBO Therapy? --How is HBO Therapy Administered? --Lyme Disease and HBO Therapy --Cerebral Palsy and HBO Therapy --Contraindications to HBO Therapy --What You Can Take into the HBO Chamber Understanding the Language of HBO Therapy --Glossary Clinical Reference --Chico Hyperbaric Research Studies --Other Informative Research Studies --Approved Indications of HBO Therapy --Investigational Indications of HBO Therapy Home Page Chico Hyperbaric Center Telephone: 1-888-324-6240 Email: info@HBOToday.com Chico Hyperbaric Center Web Site Developed & Hosted by Access Now 2000. Copyright © 1999-2001. All Rights Reserved. #