For Immediate Release | February 24, 2016

VGH seeking stroke survivors for North

Americas 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 studys lead investigator, says, Since strokes are
very complex, we will be measuring several primary and secondary outcomes in our
studyincluding 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. Harrisons 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/hyperbaricoxygen-post-established-stroke-hopes. Those interested may contact Janice Andrade at
604-875-4111 ext. 68469 or via janice.andrade4@vch.ca.

-30About 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

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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.
CONTACTS:
Tiffany Akins, communications leader
Vancouver Coastal Health
Phone: 604-708-5281
Cell: 604-319-7530
tiffany.akins@vch.ca
www.vch.ca