Monoplace Hyperbaric Chambers
The body of monoplace hyperbaric chambers is usually either metal or the head and foot tips are metal and the other parts are acrylic. There are also types whose material is a kind of hard plastic. Since they are usually wheeled, they provide ease of relocation. The use of monoplace chambers in the field of personal health is rapidly expanding, thanks to their ease of placement.
Metal parts of monoplace hyperbaric oxygen chambers are usually steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. They have parts like acrylic windows for observing the patient. Monoplace hyperbaric chambers are durable but have a relatively small internal volume. They may not be suitable for standard hospital practices as they may cause claustrophobia. These chambers are generally for medical centers, divers, and military activities.
The most common types of monoplace chambers are those attached to metal fittings surrounding the ends of an acrylic cylinder. Through the door mechanism at the head of the chamber, the patient enters the treatment with a stretcher that moves on the rails. Transparent parts are for the patient to see and watch the external environment and this prevents anxiety. Thus, people who apply the treatment can see the patient and the inside of the chamber.
Most monoplace hyperbaric chambers have audio/video communication systems. These systems are for the communication of the doctors, nurses, and technicians outside and the patient inside the chamber. During treatment, the patient must be wearing a grounding collar. It is also important that the ventilation system is operational in the chamber.
The internal pressure of the hyperbaric chamber rises either by using oxygen alone or by air. In chamber types, the internal pressure of which rises with air, and the patient breathes hyperbaric oxygen with a mask assembly. Thus, the oxygen consumption is less. If needed, it is easier for the patient to switch from oxygen to air respiration. These types are both more economical and more useful in terms of side effects.
Monoplace chambers are also available in foldable designs. They consist of nested cylinders. Their materials are either metal or hard plastic or metal and plastic. Being easily portable is the primary reason for their preference in some operations in fieldwork.
Some models of monoplace chambers are on slides. It is easy to be able to place them on transport vehicles (helicopter, plane, ship, etc.). These models are more suitable for fieldwork and military applications.
Control of hyperbaric therapy is possible through the control panel on the hyperbaric chambers. Visual/audible communication and medical parameters display is very important in patient follow-up. It is possible to monitor the patient’s fever, blood pressure, tidal volume, TcP02, ECG, EEG, and many other parameters with appropriate equipment in the chamber. Apart from these, it is also possible to administer IV fluids or drugs to the patient, apply a urinary catheter, and even connect the patient to a mechanical ventilator.
Compression (increasing the chamber pressure) in monoplace chambers should be done in a way that does not impair the comfort and health of the patient. It is necessary to allow sufficient time for the patient to perform the ear-opening procedure. Ear opening is the equalization of middle ear pressure with the environment through the Eustachian tube, with Valsalva or similar maneuvers. Decompression (reducing the inner chamber pressure) is the reverse of the compression process. Normal (standard) decompression is used in the routine. However, in some cases (eg, central nervous system oxygen poisoning) rapid decompression is required. In some cases (eg, cardiac arrest) there is a need for urgent, that is, faster decompression.
Monoplace chambers have many advantages. Namely, they offer the opportunity to treat each patient individually and privately according to their needs. For example, providing patient isolation in the presence of infection is an example of this. Apart from that, monoplace chambers are more economical in terms of space, personnel, and cost. It can fit almost anywhere and is easily relocatable. Oxygen consumption is minimal to raise the internal pressure due to its small internal volume. Therefore, the patient does not need to wear a mask for hyperbaric oxygen respiration. It is important that the patient does not have to wear a mask in cases of extensive tissue damage (eg large-area burn). Another advantage is that it comes to the fore in cases where it is difficult for the patient to wear a mask (for example, in pediatric patients).
Monoplace chambers also have some disadvantages. These chambers do not make it possible for intensive care patients to be accompanied by a doctor or nurse in the chamber. Moreover, the treatment of uncooperative patients is not possible in monoplace chambers. Monoplace hyperbaric chambers are not suitable for long treatments where the patient needs an air break (eg treatment of type II decompression sickness). Apart from that, in the case of central nervous system oxygen poisoning, medical intervention is not as quick as in multi-person chambers. The increase in potential fire risk is another major disadvantage of monoplace chambers as their internal pressure is increased by oxygen.