What Researchers Did
This study reported two instances of arterial gas embolism (AGE) that happened to Canadian Forces divers during standard pressure tolerance testing in a dry hyperbaric chamber.
What They Found
Researchers found two cases of arterial gas embolism (AGE) occurring in Canadian Forces divers during routine pressure tolerance testing. These were the first reported cases of AGE in military divers during such testing. One diver had a potential lung issue identified after the event, while the other showed signs of AGE without a clear predisposing lung problem.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This report highlights that even routine pressure tests for divers can lead to serious conditions like arterial gas embolism. For Canadian patients, this emphasizes the importance of thorough medical screening before engaging in activities involving pressure changes, such as diving or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to identify any underlying lung conditions that could increase risk.
Canadian Relevance
This study involved Canadian Forces divers. Arterial gas embolism (AGE) is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a report of only two cases, the findings cannot be broadly applied to all divers or hyperbaric exposures.