From April 26 to 27, 2025, the provincial continuing medical education program titled “Recent Advances in Rehabilitation for Severe Disorders of Consciousness and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy,” hosted by Nanjing Zijin Hospital, successfully concluded in Nanjing.

This conference brought together healthcare professionals from neurology, rehabilitation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and critical care departments across medical institutions at all levels nationwide. The event focused on cutting-edge technologies, clinical challenges, and multidisciplinary collaboration in the rehabilitation of severe disorders of consciousness and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, injecting new momentum into the field.

Ge Jiangping, President of Nanjing Zijin Hospital, opened the training session with a presentation titled “Current Status and Prospects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” She provided a comprehensive and systematic review of the mechanisms and clinical applications of hyperbaric oxygen technology, examining it from five perspectives: the underlying principles and indications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, its historical evolution, its current state of application, the existing challenges and controversies, and future directions.

Ge Jiangping, “Current Status and Prospects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy”

During the subsequent discussions, experts drew on numerous case studies spanning a variety of diseases to engage in an in-depth exchange about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Their presentations covered a broad spectrum, ranging from the unique needs of oncology patients to critical areas such as the repair of brain and spinal cord injuries. By meticulously dissecting each topic, they provided a thorough analysis of how hyperbaric oxygen therapy is applied across diverse patient populations and medical disciplines, elucidating its underlying mechanisms and highlighting its far‑reaching clinical potential and irreplaceable value.

Liu Yafeng, the regional director of the Jiangning Campus of Nanjing Zijin Hospital, focused on ischemic–hypoxic encephalopathy in his presentation, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Combined with X‑Modalities for the Treatment of Severe Ischemic–Hypoxic Encephalopathy.” He skillfully integrated a range of therapeutic approaches—including neuromodulation, acupuncture to awaken the mind and open the orifices, and the Yishen Qiqiao formula—with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, vividly demonstrating, through clinical cases, the synergistic benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration between hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other disciplines.

Liu Yafeng, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Plus X Combined Treatment for Severe Ischemic-Hypoxic Encephalopathy”

In the realm of treating disorders of consciousness, experts have conducted a comprehensive discussion, ranging from foundational concepts and neurobiological mechanisms to the evaluation of the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches.

Gao Jirong, Director of the Wake‑Up Center at Nanjing Zijin Hospital (Qinhuai Branch), delivered a focused presentation titled “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Patients with Chronic Disorders of Consciousness and Ventilator Dependence,” in which he provided an in-depth analysis of the functional differences among various types of ventilators. Addressing this unique patient population, he offered scientifically grounded, meticulous guidance on the standardized management of ventilators within hyperbaric oxygen chambers.

Gao Jirong, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Patients with Chronic Disorders of Consciousness and Ventilator Dependence”

In addition, a series of critical issues were thoroughly examined during the discussions: What is the primary objective of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with epilepsy, and what mechanisms underlie its therapeutic effects? How do multidisciplinary collaboration and integrated treatment approaches contribute to the management of patients with severe disorders of consciousness? And how can we effectively ensure the safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in critically ill patients? Dr. Long Ying from Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Dr. Liu Yong from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dr. Zhou Hongtu from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, and Drs. Li Jinsheng, Wang Changbao, Wang Xia, and Pan Xingming from Nanjing Zijin Hospital took to the stage one after another, presenting attendees with a succession of richly detailed and highly engaging academic sessions. Through this platform for scholarly exchange, participants gained invaluable insights—spanning cutting-edge theory and clinical practice, as well as fundamental mechanisms and innovative applications.

Looking ahead, Nanjing Zijin Hospital will continue to deepen its expertise in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with disorders of consciousness, establish a more influential platform for academic exchange, and drive ongoing progress in the fields of consciousness‑related rehabilitation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, thereby illuminating the path to recovery for an increasing number of patients.