Body Temperature Control Instrument for Hyperbaric Use

THE CONTROL of body temperature within the hyperbaric chamber is a necessary requirement both of modern clinical therapy and controlled physiological studies. However, artificial regulation of body temperature within the pressure tank is complicated by factors of safety, space limitations, and other technical considerations. For these reasons, a unique body temperature control instrument has been developed for use in the hyperbaric chamber. This communication describes a temperature control device modified to meet the safety and technical requirements of hyperbaric usage. Safety Factors. —Usually, artificial body temperature control units contain a pump, a refrigeration unit, a heater, and other electrical switches and controls. These components introduce sparking electrical contacts into the hyperbaric chamber where increased oxygen tensions render them a serious fire hazard. 1 Since a fire would be disasterous within the captive environment of the chamber, these potentially dangerous components should be located outside the chamber. Moreover, mechanical refrigeration units