Contraindications
Hyperbaric therapy is one of the safest and most effective medical treatments performed in hospitals today.
Patients are carefully evaluated by our medical staff prior to starting hyperbaric treatment. During this initial evaluation patients are thoroughly informed of any potential complications.
Absolute Contraindications:
Absolute Contraindication
Untreated pneumothorax
Bleomycin
Cisplatin
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Mafenide (Sulfamylon)
Necessary Condition Prior to HBOT
Thoracostomy
No treatment for extended time
from use of medication
No treatment for extended time
from use of medication
Discontinue medication
Discontinue medication
Discontinue and remove medication
Reason Contraindicated
Gas embolism; Tension pneumothorax;
Pneumomediastinum
Interstitial pneumonitis
Impaired wound healing
Blocks superoxide dismutase, which is protective against oxygen toxicity
Cardiotoxicity
Impaired wound healing
Relative Contraindications:
Relative Contraindication
Necessary Condition Prior to HBOT
Reason Contraindicated
Asthma
Active Cancer
Congenital Spherocytosis
Claustrophobia
High fever
Seizures
Pacemakers or epidural pain pump
Upper respiratory infection (URI)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Pregnancy
Provide antipyretic
Should be stable on medications; may be treated with benzodiazepines
Ensure company has pressure-tested device and learn to what depth
Resolution of symptoms or decongestants
None, but HBOT may be used in
emergencies
Must be well controlled with medications
No active cancer at time of treatment
Treatment with benzodiazepines
None; HBOT for emergencies only
Observation in chamber
Training, PE tubes
Higher risk of seizures
May have lower seizure
threshold
Malfunction or deformation of device under pressure
Barotrauma
Unknown effect on fetus
(Previous studies from Russia suggest HBOT is safe.)
Unknown effect of hyperbaric
oxygen on cancer cells
Severe hemolysis
Anxiety
Loss of hypoxic drive to breathe
Barotrauma to tympanic membrane
Air trapping upon ascent leading to pneumothorax