Methods and development of hyperbaric medicine in Croatia

Abstract:

Hyperbaric medicine includes a non-invasive medical procedure using oxygen inside a highly pressurized environment. The 1st International Congress on Hyperbaric Medicine took place in 1963 and is considered to be the start of modern hyperbaric medicine. The first hyperbaric chamber in Croatia has been used by the Navy since 1947; the chamber, located on the diving boat Labin, was used by Bauman and Tanfara in the treatment of decompression illnesses in divers from Brodospas. The organized development of hyperbaric medicine began with the acquisition of a large research chamber for the Institute of Naval Medicine in Split in 1969. Following successful clinician cooperation and a notable professional team, the institute was named the main research center in Croatia. At the time another active hyperbaric chamber was located on Katarina Island, near Pula. Since the formation of the Republic of Croatia several hyperbaric chambers have opened in Pula, Zagreb, Crikvenica, Dubrovnik and Rijeka.

Key words:
Croatia; history; hyperbaric oxygenation