The History of Hyperbaric Medicine

1600's

1662 - Henshaw, a British clergyman, build and operated the Domicilium - the world’s first pressurised chamber.

This utilised increased pressure alone, and organ bellows were used to change the atmospheric pressure. He believed that it would help treat illness and this marks the beginning of hyperbaric medicine.

A black and white illustration of a an early hyperbaric oxygen chamber

1700's

1774 - Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen as a chemical element

1800's

1834 - Junod, a French physiciaon, built a hyperbaric chamber to treat pulmonary afflictions and reported increased circulation and feelings of well being

1837 - Pravez, another French physician, buuilt a chamber that seated up to 12 people. 

1900's

In the early 1900’s hyperbaric medicine and diving began to overlap in their developments. Naval and deep sea diving research aided progress in medical uses.

HBOT use for ulcers and necrotic tissue is well documented

A person lying on a medical bed inside a 20th century hyperbaric oxygen chamber, with medical equipment and wires surrounding the area. 
2000's

Accessibility of HBOT has increased along with clinical trials and studies to document the effects seen by physicians and users - hyperbaric treatment for MS, cancer, stroke, diabetes, fibromyalgia, long COVID, infections, wounds, broken bones, sports injuries and many other conditions

Side view of a Hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, showing the elongated oval shape with multiple ports and viewing windows. 
What next?

Use of AI will allow quicker validation of clinical pathways and efficacy.

Studies and trials to document the results are needed.

Further work on understanding the effect of the HBOT mechanisms on the body’s internal systems