Hyperbaric Medicine Unit

A guide to understanding the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit

Hyperbaric medicine is a long-established medical discipline, with origins dating back to the 16th century. Even at that time, it was observed that increasing air pressure could improve certain injuries and have a beneficial effect on the course of chronic or long-standing conditions.

The discovery of oxygen in 1775 laid the scientific foundations of hyperbaric therapy as we know it today, leading to extensive research and the development of hyperbaric chambers capable of delivering this treatment to patients.

These early advances culminated in the 1960s through the work of Dr Ite Boerema, Professor of Surgery at the University of Amsterdam, who proposed the use of hyperbaric oxygen to increase tolerance to cardiac arrest.

Today, hyperbaric therapy is a well-established and continuously developing discipline used in a wide range of clinical situations involving hypoxia (lack of oxygen) due to ischaemia, compression or inflammation, among other processes. In these cases, an increased supply of oxygen is required to support tissue regeneration. Indications include decompression sickness in divers and aviation personnel, recovery after myocardial infarction, severe anaemia, asphyxia, carbon monoxide poisoning, pulmonary embolism, wound and ulcer healing, burns, radiation-induced tissue injury, compartment syndrome, and recovery following plastic or reconstructive surgery, among others.

Main effects and applications of the hyperbaric chamber

Hyperbaric therapy offers multiple benefits and applications that enhance treatments carried out across different units of Grupo Pedro Jaén.

How hyperbaric oxygen therapy is delivered

At Grupo Pedro Jaén, hyperbaric therapy is administered in monoplace chambers designed to allow the patient to lie comfortably in a quiet and relaxing environment during the session.

Sessions typically last between one and one and a half hours, depending on the specialist’s indications. During the treatment, the patient breathes pure oxygen at increased pressure without the need to wear a mask.

The hyperbaric chamber is equipped with an intercom system, allowing continuous communication between the patient and the operator, who remains present throughout the session to address any needs that may arise.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not require complex preparation. Upon arrival, patients are asked to change clothing and wear garments made from 100% cotton. They should attend the session without creams, deodorants, wigs or hairpieces, hairspray or make-up, and must remove all jewellery. Electronic devices are not permitted inside the chamber.

During the session, patients may experience a sensation of ear pressure similar to that felt during air travel or at high altitude. This is temporary and can be relieved by swallowing or yawning, as commonly done on an aeroplane.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an outpatient treatment. Once the session is complete, patients may return home and resume their usual daily activities without the need for specific recovery measures.

Some patients report mild fatigue or increased appetite after treatment. These are normal, self-limiting effects and do not require specific medical intervention.

“Before indicating treatment, our hyperbaric medicine specialists carry out a complete medical history and an individualised assessment of each patient.”

Contraindications of hyperbaric therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a well-established and generally safe treatment with few contraindications. However, it must always be administered in an appropriate medical setting and under the supervision of specialists trained in this discipline, who are able to apply the most suitable protocol for each patient’s condition.

For this reason, patients with fever, sinusitis or active upper respiratory tract infections should wait until these conditions have resolved before undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Treatment is contraindicated in cases of untreated pneumothorax, uncontrolled epilepsy, oxygen toxicity (a very rare condition), ongoing treatment with certain medications such as disulfiram or cisplatin, or in patients with severe claustrophobia. Pregnancy is considered a relative contraindication and must be individually assessed by the specialist in each case.

For all these reasons, before indicating this type of treatment, our hyperbaric medicine specialists perform a thorough medical history and an individualised clinical assessment for every patient.

More information

Below you will find the authorship of the information provided on this page.