What is a hyperbaric chamber
A hyperbaric chamber is a large, steel tank that administers 100% oxygen in a high pressure environment. The 2-person chamber purchased in 1988 was replaced by a much larger version in the interest of efficiency, patient convenience and the opportunity to expand hyperbaric applications.
Where is the hyperbaric medicine chamber
The chamber is located on the 5th floor of JPP, sited at the center of clinical activity. The chamber was lifted by crane through a hole in the west wall of the seventh floor of the John Pappajohn Pavilion. This hole was created by temporary removal of the precast exterior. The precast material was returned immediately after the chamber was lifted onto the seventh floor. From there, the chamber was lowered through an existing shaft to the fifth floor, where it was permanently installed. The shaft was created for installing equipment in UI Hospitals and Clinic's new operating suites. Patient treatments in the chamber began after a four- to six-week installation and training period.
Features
The hyperbaric chamber, manufactured by Perry Baromedical, Riviera Beach, Florida, is 22 feet long, 7 feet in diameter, and weighs 24,000 pounds - the largest in Iowa. It can hold up to six patients at one time for treatment sessions, plus up to two hyperbaric medicine specialists. While sitting or lying in the chamber, patient activities may include reading, writing and table games.
What conditions are treated with hyperbaric oxygen
Common uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include treating infections that cannot be managed with conventional therapy, facilitating wound healing, treating carbon monoxide poisoning, and preparing patients for skin grafts.
"Carbon monoxide poinsoning is only one of several conditions that uses the physical therapies of high pressure oxygen. There are wide ranges of conditions where hyperbaric oxygen is used for healing purposes," says Peter J.R. Jebson, MD
How does it work
The chamber’s specialized atmosphere resembles a deep
sea dive with a maximum depth achieved of 16 stories. The effects of treatment are due to an increase in surrounding pressure, and the patient breathing 100 percent oxygen by mask or hood. This combination of concentrated oxygen and atmospheric pressure causes the blood to carry greater concentrations of oxygen to the area in need of healing.
Staff
J. Eric Greensmith, MD, PhD
Professor of Anesthesia and
Director, Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care Service
319-356-7706
Tim Ruffin, RCPT
Assistant Director, Respiratory Care
319-356-0834
Sue Mooney, RRT, CHT
Supervisor, Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care Service
Supervisor, Diagnostic Services
319-356-7706
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Department of
Respiratory Care
UI Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Phone: 319-356-3474
Fax: 319-356-8365
Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber being lifted by crane.
Former Duo-Place Hyperbaric Chamber
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