THE HYPERBARIC CHAMBER AT THE ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL, MONTREAL.

The single apparent and potential benefit of hyperbaric oxygen is the great increase in the blood content of dissolved oxygen achieved when pure oxygen is breathed at increased pressure. The design of an economical chamber for this purpose is presented. A large number of physiological measurements (cardiac output, electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, etc.) can be performed on patients or experimental animals within the chamber by use of unique electronic connections in the chamber wall which permits all recording equipment to remain outside. Expected arterial blood oxygen tensions have been achieved in patients studied at 2, 3, and 4 atmospheres. Safety features are emphasized. No complication has resulted in 113 dives over the period January to June 1964, one-half of which were for treatment of patients. The chamber has been used clinically as an adjunct to treatment of shock, certain forms of malignancy, anaerobic infections, coronary occlusion, and problems of ischemia, and for preservation of organs for transplantation.