Definition of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy(HBOT)

Defined by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), HBOT is “an intervention in which an individual breathes near 100% oxygen intermittently while inside a hyperbaric chamber that is pressurised to greater than sea level pressure  (1 atmosphere absolute, 1 ATA)”.2 The pressure must exceed 1.4 ATA for clinical purposes and its application must be systemic to the patient’s body—that is, topical application is not considered HBOT. Hyperbaric chambers are classified according to occupancy. Monoplace chambers are designed for a single person and generally pressurised with 100% oxygen. Multiplace chambers are intended for concurrent use by more than one patient and are pressurised with air, with oxygen given via a face-mask, hood tent, or endotracheal tube.