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Acute Indication • Barrie, Ontario
Air or Gas Embolism
Urgent care for gas bubbles in the bloodstream caused by medical procedures or pressure-related injuries.
OHIP Coverage Status
Fully Covered by OHIP
Approved clinical protocol under UHMS & Ontario MOH guidelines • Patient self-referrals & physician referrals accepted
Mechanism of Action
Increased pressure physically shrinks the bubbles while the high oxygen concentration helps dissolve and clear the trapped gas from the body.
Clinical Criteria (OHIP/UHMS)
- Iatrogenic origin (cardiopulmonary bypass, central lines)
- Barotrauma
- Neurological deficits present
Treatment Protocol
U.S. Navy Treatment Table 6 (initial compression to 2.8 ATA).
Clinical Outcomes
Primary emergency treatment modality, supporting recovery from acute neurological symptoms.
Key References & Evidence
Core Literature
- Moon RE. Arterial gas embolism. In: Camporesi EM, ed. Hyperbaric Medicine Practice. 2008.
Referral & Consultation for Air or Gas Embolism
Fully covered by OHIP. Both physician referrals and patient self-referrals are accepted online or via fax at (705) 881-1119. For urgent or time-sensitive indications, please contact our Barrie clinic directly.