[Hyperbaric therapy and diving medicine - hyperbaric chambers in use].

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a scientifically justified and internationally established therapy, which is however not well-known thus rarely used in Germany. During a HBOT, the ambient pressure is raised while the patient breathes 100% O2, causing tissue partial oxygen pressure (ptO2) to increase distinctly. Through that, various pressure- and O2-associated processes are initiated. Herein 3 case studies are described that illustrate the mechanism of action and the range of applications of HBOT.