The chamber is compressed with air, and the patient breathes oxygen by an individualized internal delivery system. A single chamber, with related ancillary equipment would fit within 700-800 square feet of space. Add 350-500 square feet of space for each additional chamber, and supportive ancillary equipment. Advantages include constant patient attendance, with access limited to the head and neck, and a 6ATA pressurization capability. It is constructed of acrylic and steel, with a pressurization capability of 3 atmospheres absolute.
Configuration is for one supine or two seated patients.
Constant patient attendance is available via an access lock during single patient treatments. As before, the chamber is compressed with air, and oxygen is delivered by an individualized internal delivery system. Disadvantages include risk of decompression sickness in attending staff and relatively high capitalization costs per patient treatment when compared to the monoplace chamber. Monoplace Chambers - These units, first introduced in the 1960's are designed for single occupancy. Recent technical innovations have allowed critically-ill patients to undergo therapy in the monoplace chamber.