Medical devices and procedures in the hyperbaric chamber

Area of Science:

• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Medical Device Safety

Background:

• Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) involves exposing patients to increased pressure.
• Medical devices and procedures used during HBOT present unique safety challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review safety controversies of defibrillation and implantable devices in hyperbaric chambers.
• To present findings from a European survey on medical devices used in hyperbaric chambers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of defibrillation safety in hyperbaric environments.
• Analysis of risks associated with implantable devices during HBOT.
• Presentation of results from a European questionnaire on hyperbaric medical devices.

Main Results:

• Defibrillation in hyperbaric chambers is hazardous due to fire risk, despite new device introductions.
• Implantable devices may malfunction under hyperbaric conditions, necessitating individual risk assessment.
• A significant amount of non-CE-certified equipment is utilized in European hyperbaric chambers.

Conclusions:

• Defibrillation in hyperbaric chambers should be approached with extreme caution.
• Careful evaluation of patient-specific factors and device behavior is crucial for implantable devices during HBOT.
• The use of non-certified medical equipment in European hyperbaric facilities highlights a need for improved safety standards.