The therapeutic use of high-pressure oxygen.

The therapeutic use of a high-pressure oxygen atmosphere is of current research interest. Accounts of this means of treatment have come mainly from Amsterdam and Glasgow, but also from the United States. Reports indicate its value in treatment of coronary artery disease, severe shock, cerebral vascular accidents, gangrene, infections, carbon monoxide poisoning and bowel infarction. Hyaline membrane disease responds dramatically. The treatment has demonstrated value in conjunction with the operation of heart-lung machines, for patients with severe injuries of the extremities where blood supply is impaired, and in the treatment of rest pain in ischemic limbs. Converted hospital autoclaves have been used as an inexpensive means of initiating research projects in this field. One American supplier already has orders for construction of eight high-pressure oxygen treatment tanks in U.S. centres.