The monoplace hyperbaric chamber and management of decompression illness

RCT Li
Asia Hyperbaric Center, AML, 28A Shum Wan Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

Three cases of decompression illness are reported. Two patients presented with joint pain and skin signs, while one patient presented with joint pain and neurological signs and symptoms. The patients received emergency recompression therapy in a Hong Kong clinic, using a monoplace hyperbaric chamber. All three patients were treated successfully and no residual signs or symptoms were evident on review at 90 days' post-treatment. Issues concerning the use of monoplace and multiplace hyperbaric chambers are also discussed, along with additional clinical applications of the monoplace hyperbaric chamber.

Hong Kong Med J 2001;7:435-8

Key words: Decompression sickness; Diving; Emergency treatment; Hyperbaric oxygenation