What Researchers Did
Researchers developed and implemented a modified power supply system to safely treat a patient with a HeartMate II™ left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber for severe radiation cystitis.
What They Found
The patient successfully completed 44 hyperbaric oxygen treatments for radiation cystitis without any complications related to the modified LVAD system. This case represents the second reported instance in medical literature of an LVAD patient being safely treated in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This approach provides a potential method for safely treating Canadian patients with LVADs who require hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It suggests that with careful modification and planning, patients with these devices can access necessary hyperbaric treatments, improving their care options.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it is a case report from outside Canada.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation is that this is a single case report, meaning the findings may not be generalizable to all patients with different LVAD models or varying clinical conditions.