Successful hyperbaric oxygen treatment of a patient with a HeartMate III left ventricular assist device.

A 53-year-old woman with a HeartMate III left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was successfully treated under hyperbaric conditions for haemorrhagic cystitis. The HeartMate III LVAD inserted in this patient had not previously been tested or certified for use under hyperbaric conditions. To our knowledge this is the first report of the HeartMate III LVAD being used to support a patient undergoing hyperbaric treatment.

A pleural vacuum relief device for pleural drain unit use in the hyperbaric environment.

Introduction: When a standard water-seal pleural drain unit (PDU) is used under hyperbaric conditions there are scenarios where excessive negative intrapleural pressure (IPP) and/or fluid reflux can be induced, risking significant morbidity. We developed and tested a pleural vacuum relief (PVR) device which automatically manages these risks, whilst allowing more rapid hyperbaric pressure change rates.

Methods: The custom-made PVR device consists of a one-way pressure relief valve connected in line with a sterile micro filter selected for its specific flow capacity.

Test results for the evaluation of a glucometer for use under hyperbaric conditions: Technical report.

This study aimed to evaluate a recently developed equipment test method by assessing the safe and accurate functioning of the Abbott Optium FreeStyle H portable blood glucose monitor for use in the Alfred Hospital's hyperbaric chamber. The results of this study indicate that the test method can be used successfully to evaluate instruments and/or devices for use in the hyperbaric environment. The evaluation initially found that this particular glucose monitor contained a lithium battery which can be hazardous when used in the hyperbaric environment.

Evaluation of the Carefusion Alaris PC infusion pump for hyperbaric oxygen therapy conditions: Technical report.

We present a standardized test methodology and results for our evaluation of the Carefusion Alaris PC infusion pump, comprising the model 8015 PC Unit and the model 8100 Large Volume Pump (LVP) module. The evaluation consisted of basic suitability testing, internal component inspection, surface temperature measurement of selected internal components, and critical performance testing (infusion rate accuracy and occlusion alarm pressure) during conditions of typical hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) treatment in our facility's class A multiplace chamber. We have found that the pumps pose no enhanced risk as an ignition source, and that the pumps operate within manufacturer's specifications for flow rate and occlusion alarms at all stages of HBO₂ treatments, up to 4.

Performance of the BBraun perfusor space syringe driver under hyperbaric conditions.

Background: The BBraun Perfusor Space™ syringe driver is already in use by ambulance services and retrieval teams but has not previously been assessed for hyperbaric chamber use.

Methods: Pump flow accuracy was tested at rates between 1 and 40 ml· h⁻¹ using three different brands of 50 ml syringe. Function of the occlusion alarms was assessed using the same syringes.