Physicians

All patients who are candidates for HBOT are seen by a hyperbaric unit physician upon referral from their attending physician. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is offered as a referral and consultation service only.

To refer a patient for evaluation during our normal working hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., call: +1-416-287-0990 or fax: +1-416-287-0992

Referral Form Here

• Where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is considered appropriate, a treatment protocol and schedule will be established, and the hyperbaric consultants recommendations will be communicated to the referring physician.
• The referring/primary care physician will remain responsible for the patient’s general medical management and will be updated on an ongoing basis by the team at the hyperbaric medical centre.
• Patients with chronic conditions such as late radiation tissue injury or complex wounds require a 4 – 8 week treatment period.

Health Canada recognizes Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for the following acute and chronic conditions:

1. Arterial gas embolism
2. Carbon monoxide poisoning
3. Gas gangrene
4. Crush injuries, Compartment syndrome and other acute conditions with reduced tissue perfusion
5. Decompression sickness
6. Enhancement of healing for wounds such as diabetic ulcers
7. Exceptional anemia
8. Intracranial abscess
9. Necrotizing soft tissue infections
10. Osteomyelitis
11. Delayed radiation injury (radiation cystitis, radiation proctitis, osteoradionecrosis)
12. At-risk skin grafts and flaps
13. Thermal burns
14. Sudden Idiophatic Sensory-neural Hearing Loss
15. Acute central retinal artery occlusion

Absolute Contraindications to Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment:

Untreated Pneumothorax

Current treatment with:

• Doxorubivin (AdrimycinR)
• Disulfiram (AntabuseR)
• Cis-Platinum
• Mafenide Acetate (SulfamylonR)

Relative Contraindications

• Upper respiratory infections and chronic sinusitis
• Seizure disorders
• Emphysema and carbon dioxide retention
• High Fever
• History of spontaneous pneumothorax
• History of thoracic surgery
• History of surgery for otosclerosis
• Viral infections
• Congenital spherocytosis
• History of optic neuritis

Complications and Side Effects

• Barotrauma of the ear
• Pulmonary barotrauma
• Round window blowout
• Sinus squeeze
• Temporary myopia
• Dental problems (airspaces)
• Claustrophobia
• Oxygen induced seizures (self-limited)
• Pulmonary oxygen toxicity

HBOT referrals are considered on a case by case basis. In order to optimize and avoid complications our staff are happy to provide referring physicians with any additional information that may be required. We will also hold information sessions for primary care physicians and referring specialists requesting further information regarding our services. If you are interested in learning more about the role of Hyperbaric Medicine and the potential benefits this therapy may have for you patients please contact us directly at +1-416-287-0990 or by fax at +1-416-287-0992