What Researchers Did
Researchers treated five patients who experienced cerebral air embolism after medical procedures with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, even though treatment was delayed.
What They Found
Five patients with cerebral air embolism, caused by issues like cardiopulmonary bypass or central vein catheterization, received hyperbaric oxygen therapy 15-60 hours after their embolic event. Initial treatment followed U.S. Navy Compression Table 6A, with subsequent treatments at 2.5 to 2.8 ATA for 90 minutes. Three of these patients (60%) showed significant, partial, or complete recovery, while one patient did not respond, and one patient died.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers arterial gas embolism, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This was a case report involving only five patients, which limits the generalizability of the findings.