29 May 2013

Hyperbaric chamber in American Samoa helps diabetic patient

11:16 am on 29 May 2013

The hyperbaric chamber at the LBJ Hospital in American Samoa has proved effective in preventing an amputation for a diabetic patient.

A man suffering from diabetes was able to save a leg that was to be amputated through the use of the hyperbaric chamber.

He's the first diabetic patient successfully treated using the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber which was donated to the hospital by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine Sanctuary.

The chamber is usually used for treating patients with diving injuries, but the state-of-the-art equipment can also be used to help heal burn wounds and assist people with complications from diabetes.

Another 4 patients undergoing treatment using the hyperbaric oxygen treatment.