Physiology And Medicine Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Written by internationally recognized leaders in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) research and practice, this exciting new book provides evidence-based, practical, useful information for anyone involved in HBOT. It outlines the physiologic principles that constitute the basis for understanding the clinical implications for treatment and describes recent advances and current research, along with new approaches to therapy. This book is an essential tool for anyone who cares for patients with difficult-to-heal wounds, wounds from radiation therapy, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more. Provides comprehensive coverage of pathophysiology and clinically relevant information so you can master the specialty. Covers the relevance of HBOT in caring for diverse populations including critical care patients, infants and pediatric patients, and divers. Features a section on the technical aspects of HBOT to provide insight into the technology and physics regarding HBO chambers. Presents evidence to support the effectiveness of HBOT as well as the possible side effects. Describes situations where HBOT would be effective through indication-specific chapters on chronic wounds, radiation and crush injuries, decompression sickness, and more.

The decade since the first Handbook on Hyperbaric Medicine has seen major advances: studies have clarified the actions of hyperbaric oxygenation; clinical practice is becoming more scientific; various organisational and operational guidelines are now widely accepted. This new Handbook arises from the EU Co-operation in Science and Technology (COST) programme for hyperbaric medicine, COST B14, in combination with the results of a number of recent experimental and clinical studies.

The history of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) makes for fascinating reading. From pneumatic chambers and compressed air baths to empirical therapeutic applications during the nineteenth century, the impetus to scientific application of HBOT began in seeking solution for decompression sickness during various construction ventures. French physiologist Paul Bert,Äôs research was pathbreaking and provided a scientific explanation on the etiology of the ,Äúbends.,Äù In 1908, JS Haldane,Äôs experiments recommended staged decompression and made diving safe. In 1921, OJ Cunningham employed HBOT to treat hypoxia secondary to lung infections successfully. It was cardiac surgeon Ite Boerema who put HBOT on a solid footing with his open-heart surgery results in various pediatric cardiac conditions and rightly deserved the title of father of modern-day hyperbaric medicine. From 1937 onwards, HBOT research snowballed into treating a wide variety of diseases. In 1999, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society and Food and Drug Administration recognized the value of HBOT, and this led to its becoming a major tool in the armamentarium of clinicians, either as a primary or adjunctive therapy for a spectrum of diseases.

The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) is an international, non-profit organization serving over 2,400 members from more than 50 countries. The UHMS is the primary source of scientific information for diving and hyperbaric medicine physiology worldwide, the breadth of which is illustrated in the triennial report, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications. With leading experts authoring chapters in their respective fields, this publication continues to provide the most current and up to date guidance and support for scientists and practitioners of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications, currently in its thirteenth edition, has grown in size and depth to reflect the evolution of the literature on the approved use of hyperbarics from both a clinical practice standpoint and insurance coverage perspective. To date, the committee recognizes fourteen indications, including the new indication, idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Additionally, this book continues to be used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and other third party insurance carriers in determining payment for HBO2 services.

The leading textbook of diving medicine, by international experts, has been completely revised and updated. It provides a comprehensive account relating the basic medical sciences to clinical conditions associated with diving. In-depth coverage of the physiological basis for safe diving, the pathophysiological basis for diving illnesses and the management of diving accidents is included. Features new chapters on fitness to dive, long term health effects of diving, and management of diving accidents.

Hyperbaric oxygen application has now become a useful technique for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in CNS, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as in soft-tissue and orthopaedic pathologies and haematologic disorders. With a specific didactic approach, supported by numerous illustrations and tables, this volume aims to present all aspects of oxygen application under pressure not only to resolve some clinical problems, but also to improve recovery or to modify a negative illness evolution. Both scientists and practitioners will find this work a useful and updated reference book.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO2) is a widely accepted adjuvant therapy in various health conditions that exhibit impaired tissue blood flow. At high pressures, the delivery of the dissolved oxygen in plasma is enhanced, which contributes to better tissue oxygenation, cellular metabolism and ultimately, healing. However, this is not the only beneficial outcome of HBO2 treatment since oxygen is a highly reactive molecule and can induce upregulation of many enzymatic systems in the cell at the cellular, genetic and molecular level. Particularly, vascular/endothelial function is affected by the HBO2. Our understanding of these mechanisms is still emerging. There have been many controversies related to the HBO2 protocols and indications. As well as exhibiting beneficiary effects on the tissue perfusion, it is known that HBO2 demonstrates high toxicity at higher pressures, due to increased oxidative stress and barotrauma. On the other hand, there is a lack of translation of the knowledge on the mechanisms of action of HBO2 obtained from the experimental research to the clinical practice. Thus, this book presents the reader with an overview of the current knowledge on the mechanisms of HBO2 effects in various experimental models and clinical treatment protocols, in an attempt to provide a better understanding of how and when HBO2 should be used as an effective therapy without unwanted side effects.