What Researchers Did
Researchers described a case of recurrent cutaneous decompression sickness in a hyperbaric chamber attendant with a large persistent foramen ovale, which resolved after its closure.
What They Found
A 41-year-old female hyperbaric chamber attendant experienced two episodes of cutaneous decompression sickness after breathing air at pressures equivalent to 14 and 18 metres of seawater. She was diagnosed with an 11 mm persistent foramen ovale, and after its closure, she returned to work without further recurrence of decompression sickness.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, this case highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of the medical staff attending them. It suggests that hyperbaric chamber attendants with a persistent foramen ovale may be at increased occupational risk for decompression sickness, which could impact their ability to provide care.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a case report, the findings are limited to a single individual and may not be generalizable to a broader population.