University of South Florida (USF) Health has kicked off a $28 million clinical trial to study the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans and Florida service members who have had traumatic brain injuries.
“The scope of this ambitious project is recognized nationally as one of the most rigorous studies of its kind with long-term results that could reshape the narrative of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment of neurological diseases,” USF Health said on its website.
The study, led by USF Health Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, is using the newly constructed Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which allows the blood to fill with oxygen for tissue repair. Study participants will endure a four-month cycle in which their oxygen, blood and brain levels will be closely monitored. Those who receive the placebo will have a chance to be treated with HBOT once the study has ended.
Principal investigator Harry van Loveren, MD, chair of the USF Health Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, is leading the charge with a group of more than 30 experts who have studied traumatic brain injuries for years. The group has written more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and completed small, state-funded clinical trials.
“Even if hyperbaric oxygen does not show efficacy for TBI in veterans, we will publish the results and explore potential other therapies to help those that served our country,” Dr. van Loveren said. The study’s theme is one of “veterans helping veterans, and it’s an opportunity for veterans to serve their country on behalf of their fellow veterans one more time.”
Active-duty service members or veterans interested in participating should contact USF Health for more details.
HBOT is made possible thanks to medical gas and oxygen equipment suppliers like CalOx. For more information on how CalOx can help your or your medical team treat patients with therapies such as HBOT, reach out to find more about our services today.