Defibrillation in hyperbaric chambers: a review

Defibrillation plays a crucial role in the resuscitation of patients from acute life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias causing cardiac arrest. Concerns over safety and function of defibrillators under pressure have so far prevented their routine use in clinical hyperbaric chambers. Increasing numbers of unstable and critically ill patients are being treated in such facilities for both diving and non-diving indications. This report reviews the literature relating to hyperbaric defibrillation and examines the indications, contraindications and therapeutic alternatives to this procedure.