Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy involves the process of breathing 100% Oxygen at a higher atmospheric pressure.
The therapy takes place at a specialized chamber which is known as hyperbaric chamber.
The experimentation with hyperbaric chambers dates back to 17th century and the hyperbaric oxygen therapy ushered into the scene in the late 1960's.
At that point of time, hyperbaric treatment was used to treat for decompression sickness of the deep-sea divers.
Later, the mountaineers started to use the hyperbaric treatment to combat high altitude sickness.
Today, HBOT therapy is used to treat several medical conditions including autism.
While undergoing hyperbaric treatment, a patient is placed in a pressure vessel known as hyperbaric chamber.
Generally, there are two different types of HBOT chambers and these are Monoplace HBOT Chamber and Multiplace Hyperbaric chamber.
In the following paragraphs, we will discuss about the Monoplace HBOT chambers in details.
Monoplace HBOT Chambers A monoplace HBOT chamber can hold a single patient at a time.
During treatment, the vessel is pressurized with 100% pure oxygen.
There are short "air breaks" which allow the patients to breathe in normal air and prevent oxygen toxicity.
Since the invention, the monoplace HBOT chambers have advanced a lot.
Previously, the monoplace chamber had metal walls but some manufacturers now design the pressure-safe acrylic tube, wherein there are transparent walls that help the monitoring staff to get a clear view of the proceedings and the patient can also avoid the "closed-in" feeling.
These chambers boast a commendable safety record.
The modern monoplace HBOT vessels feature emergency systems for decompressing the chamber swiftly.
Since the vessel is compressed with 100% oxygen, the patient inside need not wear a hood or mask during the process of the treatment.
The patient in this chamber, either lies flat or in a reclining position.
The medical staff and monitoring team observes the procedure from outside and thus, these chambers are not suitable for patients who require continuous assistance of the clinician.
However, in case of small children, a parent or a caregiver can accompany the little ones inside.
In the monoplace chambers, the patient needs to wear special attire and does not have to carry anything.
There are pass-through ports in the vessel's wall which allow the clinicians to attach IV pumps electronic monitors, and other necessary medical equipment.
During the treatment the medical team can communicate with the patient via intercom system.
The patients can watch a video monitor placed outside the chamber and this is an important thing that would comfort the patient during the course of treatment.
Before we sum up, let us have a look at some of the distinct advantages of Monoplace Hyperbaric Chambers.
• In a monoplace chamber, the Patients are treated as per a specified and unique protocol.
This is unlike the multiplace chambers wherein all the patients dive at the same protocol.
• In monoplace chamber, the patients are individually treated and cared.
• Since only one patient is placed in the monoplace chambers, there is no chance of spread of any disease or infection from any other patients.
• Patients can be treated in much more comfortable and relaxed manner.
There is no need of any masks or hoods which again adds to the patient's comfort.
• The procedure and the progress of the entire session of treatment can be easily monitored by the clinicians.
• Monoplace HBOT vessels also enable a patient to undergo the treatment even if he is confined to bed due to illness or injuries.