Information bulletin
VGH seeking stroke survivors for North America’s first of its kind hyperbaric oxygen study
Vancouver, BC – A multidisciplinary team at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) will be the first in North America to study the role that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could play in improving neurological function in recovering stroke patients.
Dr. David Harrison, medical manager of the Hyperbaric Unit at VGH and a VCH Research Institute researcher, and the study’s lead investigator, says, “Since strokes are very complex, we will be measuring several primary and secondary outcomes in our study—including neurological function, daily living activities, quality of life scores, depression and cognition.”
Dr. Harrison and his team are actively recruiting 140 participants between the ages 19 and 85-years-old who have had a stroke involving the cerebral hemispheres during the past six to 36 months. Participants will receive a series of 40 treatments in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber at VGH.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment involves breathing 100 per cent oxygen at increased pressures inside an airtight, cylindrical steel chamber. This allows oxygen to be dissolved into the bloodstream and carried to the organs. Study participants will receive one of two treatments: each with a different environment pressure and oxygen level.
The study is being funded by a $1-million donation to the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
“This study is an outstanding demonstration of how philanthropy can enable our health care partners' visions of innovative and transformative health care,” says Barbara Grantham, president and CEO of the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “As a result of a generous donor, Dr. Harrison’s research has the potential to improve the functionality and quality of life of post-stroke patients.”
Preliminary results of the study are expected in December 2018.
To learn more about this study, visit: http://www.vchri.ca/clinical-trials/hyperbaric-oxygen-post-established-stroke-hopes. Those interested may contact Janice Andrade at 604-875-4111 ext. 68469 or via janice.andrade4@vch.ca.
About Vancouver Coastal Health
VCH is responsible for the delivery of $3.4 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. Find us online www.vch.ca
About the Vancouver General Hospital & UBC Hospital Foundation
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health's primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health services and research for all British Columbians. We partner with donors to drive innovation and sustainable health care at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Vancouver Community Health Services.
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Tiffany Akins
Communications leader
Vancouver Coastal Health
Phone: 604.708.5281
Cell: 604.319.7530
Email: tiffany.akins@vch.ca