Current status and development direction of hyperbaric medicine in Korea

Abstract

Background: The indications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) covered by the health insurance in Korea increased to 16 in 2019, which includes acute central retinal artery obstruction within 24 hours of vision loss; anemia due to excessive bleeding, since blood transfusion is impractical; chronic refractory osteomyelitis (Wagner grade ≥3); and intracranial abscess.Current Concepts: HBOT affects the treatment in the primary and secondary mechanisms. According to the Boyle’s law, the primary mechanism is important in treating decompression sickness and intravascular air embolism by decreasing the volume of air bubbles when pressure increases, whereas the secondary mechanism involves hyperoxygenation of the primary mechanism and various effects, such as vasoconstriction, angiogenesis, immune function enhancement, reperfusion injury prevention, antimicrobial action, and gas washout effect, occur. In the past 5 years, domestic HBOT has made significant progress. However, there are many non-therapeutic lowpressure HBOT facilities that are limited by insurance coverage issues, quality equipment management, and medical personnel in HBOT facilities.Discussion and Conclusion: To solve the problem, the introduction of the definition of therapeutic hyperbaric pressure and certification system of HBOT facilities must be initiated. Moreover, the system should be improved so that insurance can be applied for a more indication of HBOT.

Safety Evaluation of Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber and Clinical Characteristics of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Patients with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

“…The details of number of medical institutions capable of HBOT increased from 8 to 13 for tertiary general hospitals, from 3 to 17 for general hospitals, and from 10 to 20 for hospitals and other medical institutions. The number of multiplace hyperbaric chambers increased from 12 to 30, and the number of monoplace hyperbaric chambers increased from 13 to 43 [16].…”

Mechanical Improvement of Gas Monitoring System in Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber to Advance the Safety and Efficacy

“…The number of multiplace hyperbaric chambers increased from 12 to 30, and the number of monoplace hyperbaric chambers increased from 13 to 43. 14 …”

Prevalence of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Korea: Analysis of National Claims Data in 2010–2019

“… 7 8 In Korea, as the number of hospitals with hyperbaric oxygen chambers is gradually increasing, HBOT is administered to patients with CO poisoning more frequently, as well as for various other indications. 9 …”

“…However, 14,995 patients received HBOT from various indications in 2019, and the number of institutions capable of HBOT at more than 2 atm increased to 50 in 2021. 9 …”