Effects of hyperbaric exposure on thrombus formation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Hematology
• Physiology

Background:

• Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) therapy's impact on thrombus formation remains unclear, with conflicting reports on its pro-thrombotic potential.
• Previous studies suggested HBO₂ accelerates platelet aggregation, raising concerns about increased thrombotic events.
• Clinical trial data on HBO₂ and thrombosis are inconsistent, lacking definitive evidence of increased thrombotic risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of hyperbaric pressure on thrombus formation using a total thrombus formation analysis system (T-TAS).
• To clarify the relationship between hyperbaric conditions and the potential for thrombus development in blood samples.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 20 healthy volunteers.
• Specimens were divided into a pressurized group exposed to constant hyperbaric pressure and a control group.
• Thrombus formation was measured using T-TAS at 0, 20, and 40 minutes after pressurization.

Main Results:

• Hyperbaric pressure significantly delayed the onset of thrombus formation, indicating reduced thrombus formation ability.
• The reduction in thrombus formation ability was reversible, returning to control levels.
• These findings demonstrate a pressure-induced, reversible decrease in thrombus formation capacity.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to demonstrate a decrease in thrombus formation ability under hyperbaric pressure using T-TAS.
• The T-TAS system provides in vivo-like conditions for assessing thrombus formation.
• The findings challenge the notion that hyperbaric oxygen therapy inherently increases thrombotic risk.