What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed published case reports of patients who developed a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) while inside a pressurized hyperbaric chamber, analyzing how it was diagnosed and treated.
What They Found
Cases came from professional diving operations, military training, and hospital-based HBOT. Pneumothorax was frequently misdiagnosed or missed entirely during chamber operations. Some cases were managed by slowing decompression and having patients breathe high-oxygen mixtures; others required chest drains. One patient died before the chamber could be fully depressurized, while another walked out unaided before being diagnosed.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This research is most relevant to HBOT staff and physicians. For patients, it reinforces the importance of thorough pre-treatment screening, particularly for anyone who has recently had lung surgery, chest procedures, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as these are risk factors for pneumothorax during HBOT.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The review is based on published case reports only, which means many unreported or unpublished cases were not included, and the true frequency of this complication is unknown.