Unapproved, unproven devices marketed for hyperbaric oxygen treatment
Health Ministry warns against purchasing or using inflatable bags for alleged hyperbaric treatment.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHAn alleged hyperbaric treatment respirator(photo credit: HEALTH MINISTRY)
The Health Ministry has warned the public against purchasing or using inflatable bags or spaces claimed to provide successful hyperbaric (high-pressure) oxygen treatment. They are being marketed for treating pressure sores on the body and other uses by entrepreneurs lacking medical expertise or licenses. They are not listed in ministry’s Medical Devices Register, the ministry said on Sunday.In recent months, the ministry has received a number of complaints regarding the marketing of the “hyperbaric oxygen therapy” using backs for inserting limbs. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is available only at recognized medical facilities run by medical teams, such as those in Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center, Eilat’s Josephthal Medical Center and Yitzhak Shamir (Assaf Harofe) Medical Center in Tzrifin.The ministry said that the inflatable bags and other devices are not a treatment and not approved and may pose a danger to those who use them.
