SlovenskyThe Hyperbaric Chamber
The beginnings of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy in modern medicine were the heart surgeries in a hyperbaric chamber at the University of Amsterdam in the 1950s. That time there was no modern equipment for extracorporeal circulation and blood oxygenation (heart – lung machine) available, therefore heart surgeries were very limited in duration. Before surgery, doctors delivered HBO therapy, which increased the oxygen level in tissues; thereby the patients could withstand a longer interruption of heart function without permanent results. This enabled performing complex operations, increased the patients' chances of survival and made it possible to succeed in operations that had been technically impossible before.
In many countries, doctors began to use HBOT in a broader spectrum of operations and subsequently in treatment of various injuries and diseases. It obviously resulted in an increase in the number of hyperbaric chambers operating in various countries.
Our hyperbaric chamber was constructed by a German company Haux. Currently they are the largest manufacturer of pressure chambers on the European market. The total mass of the chamber is 17 ton. It is designed for 12 patients and the medical personnel.
During the therapy, patients are observed by means of cameras, so we are immediately able to respond to any potential patient discomfort or deterioration in their health. Comfortable seats and footrests, if necessary, offer the feeling of comfort inside. For patients whose medical condition requires it, we can provide a special bed as well. Treatments are constantly supervised by a qualified three-member staff (a specialist doctor, nurse and technician).
Our patients, with particular emphasis on their safety in the hyperbaric chamber, are protected by many other factors. Computer-controlled treatment can continue even in the event of a power cut off; or if necessary, it can be completed from the hydraulic control panel. In case of fire, despite all precautionary measures, safety inside the chamber is guaranteed by a special, dedicated fire-fighting system, developed for this particular purpose.