Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Air & Gas Embolism
What Is Air & Gas Embolism?
Air or gas embolism occurs when bubbles of air or other gases enter the bloodstream
and obstruct blood vessels, preventing normal blood flow. It can happen due to:
- Decompression illness (“the bends”) in divers
- Trauma or surgical procedures introducing air into veins
- Intravascular injection errors (e.g., during IV therapy)
- Barotrauma from mechanical ventilation
How HBOT Works
- Bubble Compression: Increased pressure shrinks gas bubbles by Boyle’s Law.
- Accelerated Gas Washout: High-pressure oxygen replaces nitrogen in tissues, speeding bubble elimination.
- Enhanced Oxygenation: Dissolved oxygen in plasma delivers vital oxygen past blocked vessels.
- Improved Microcirculation: Reduces secondary ischemic damage and supports tissue survival.
Treatment Protocols
Immediate treatment is critical. Typical emergency HBOT protocol:
- Pressure: 2.8 – 3.0 ATA
- Session Duration: 60 – 90 minutes
- Frequency: Single emergent session, with follow-up treatments as needed
- Setting: Medical hyperbaric facility with physician oversight
Who Should Consider HBOT?
- Divers or aviators with signs of decompression sickness
- Patients experiencing sudden stroke-like symptoms after surgery or trauma
- Individuals with confirmed iatrogenic air embolism
- Anyone with neurological, respiratory, or cardiovascular compromise from gas emboli
*Air & gas embolism is a medical emergency. HBOT must be initiated as soon as possible
under the direction of a qualified hyperbaric medicine physician.
