[Hyperbaric oxygenation (current state and perspectives of its use in heart surgery)]

The current status of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) permits a preliminary determination of the optimum regimen with reference to the particular type of pathology to be treated and the method of treatment involved (surgery, resuscitation, therapy). The experimental section presents an analysis of the results of the combined effect of hyperbaric oxygenation and hypothermia, HBO and extracorporeal circulation. An extended series of experiments was conducted determining the optimum regimens of HBO in different types of hypoxia (circulatory, including cardiogenic shock, anemic, hypoxic). The clinical section presents the experience with HBO in 136 patients (118 cardiac procedures, and 18 emergency cases). The authors have the world's greatest experience with extracorporeal circulation under HBO. The priority is using this method for childbirth by women with severe heart diseases belongs to Soviet medicine. HBO was successfully used for the management of air embolism complicating openheart surgery.