Gas embolism is a condition caused by entry of air into arterial or venous circulation. It mainly occurs as a consequence of an invasive medical or surgical procedure. It is also possible in divers usually after rapid ascent (pulmonary barotrauma). Clinical symptoms are mainly neurological or cardiological and depend on patient's position, way of air entry and gas volume, bubble size and speed of entry of gas into circulation. Regardless of mechanism of onset, HBOT is always a treatment of choice.
HBOT diminishes gas bubbles' size, causes bubbles to disappear from circulation, lessens edema of affected tissues, high partial pressure of oxygen ameliorates consequences of lack of oxygen in tissues with insufficient blood supply, recovery of damaged but alive cells in ischemic penumbra (shade).
