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.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that Canadian patients experiencing cerebral air embolism, a serious condition often resulting from medical procedures, might still benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy even if treatment is not immediate. It implies that referral to a hyperbaric facility should be considered for this condition, even when there's a delay in diagnosis or transport.
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.