UHM Journal Volume 48, Issue 3

Course overview

Learner Objectives: As a result of having attended the meeting, the participants should have had the opportunity to: 1. Understand that using a 15minute vs a 10minute compression profile will reduce the observed number of patients requiring a stop due to Eustachian tube dysfunction, during a compression to 45 fsw in a multiplace setting. 2. Understand that reducing the number of stops and holds (symptomatic Eustachian tube dysfunction) should result in less barotrauma and less of a tendency to terminate a patients treatment. 3. Understand that a linear compression profile has an observed effect on reducing Eustachian tube dysfunction over a non-linear compression profile, however this finding is not statistically significant and is pending further study in the Phase III arm. 4. The protocol studied in the multiplace setting may prove useful during compression in a monoplace chamber, but this protocol has not yet been studied in a monoplace setting. 5. To understand the effect of shorter lengths of oxygen pre-breathe in the reduction of dysbaricosteonecrosis (DON) and recommendations to prevent DON. 6. To explain how the main (multiple exposure to radical drop in pressure, greater maximal diving depth) and other potential (higher level of plasminogen activator, fat embolisms, hyperlipidemia) risk factors contributed to the development of DON. Subject Matter: RESEARCH ARTICLE The effect of total compression time and rate (slope) of compression on the incidence of symptomatic Eustachian tube dysfunction and middle ear barotrauma: a Phase II prospective study RESEARCH ARTICLE Decrease in dysbaric osteonecrosis severity as a result of 45-minute oxygen pre-breathe. Teaching Methods: Journal Reading. Examination of material. Evaluation of activity. Evaluation Methods: Evaluation is offered through the online educational portal with 3 graded questions each UHM Journal paper and an overall evaluation at completion of the Journal-based activity.