Understanding the Origins and Development of Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation
EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) is a relatively recent advancement in the field of integrative and biological medicine. While its roots stem from older therapeutic ozone practices, EBOO represents a significant evolution in how ozone is introduced into the bloodstream — offering a controlled, high-volume, continuous flow alternative to earlier methods.
But where did it come from, and who made it possible?
The Scientific Roots: Ozone in Medicine
The concept of using ozone therapeutically is not new. Medical ozone therapy has been practiced since the early 20th century, primarily in Europe, with applications in wound care, infections, and circulatory conditions. Early forms included ozonated oils, insufflations, and Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) — where a small amount of blood is withdrawn, mixed with ozone, and reinfused.
One of the most important figures in modern ozone medicine is Dr. Velio Bocci, a professor emeritus of physiology at the University of Siena in Italy. His research from the 1990s onward played a pivotal role in understanding the biological mechanisms behind ozone therapy, such as its role in modulating oxidative stress, activating the immune system, and enhancing oxygen metabolism.
While Dr. Bocci did not invent EBOO per se, his contributions laid the scientific foundation that legitimized ozone therapy and inspired innovations in its delivery.
The Birth of EBOO Therapy
The actual invention of EBOO therapy is credited to a group of Italian researchers and biomedical engineers in the early 2000s, who sought to overcome the limitations of Major Autohemotherapy by treating a much larger volume of blood in a closed-loop extracorporeal system.
EBOO was designed to meet the following objectives:
- Treat 500–2,000 mL of blood per session, compared to 100–200 mL in MAH
- Introduce oxygen and ozone continuously, improving therapeutic consistency
- Use a dialysis-style filtration membrane to support blood detoxification and immune modulation
- Maintain hemodynamic stability and biocompatibility with medical-grade materials
These developments resulted in a process where blood is withdrawn from one vein, ozonated and filtered outside the body in real-time, and returned via another vein. This system allowed for higher therapeutic exposure to ozone and more measurable physiological effects — such as improved microcirculation, reduced inflammation, and immune balancing.
Advancements in EBOO Technology
As clinical interest grew, so did technological refinement. Advanced EBOO systems began incorporating:
- High-efficiency filters to mimic aspects of dialysis, removing endotoxins and metabolic waste
- Precise ozone generators with programmable dosage and concentration controls
- Single-use biocompatible tubing to eliminate infection and clotting risks
- Real-time monitoring systems to track blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and flow rates during the procedure
In some cases, EBOO evolved into what is now known as Recirculatory Hemoperfusion (RHP), where blood is recirculated and ozonated multiple times in a session for deeper purification and immune support.
Global Adoption and Medical Interest
While EBOO is still considered by some as experimental or adjunctive in conventional medicine, it has seen growing adoption in:
- Integrative medicine clinics within the United States
- European wellness centers (especially in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy)
- Asian countries, where advanced detox therapies are in demand
It is often promoted for chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, infections, cardiovascular health, and general detoxification — though peer-reviewed, large-scale clinical trials are still ongoing or limited in number.
Clarifying the Inventors
Although no single individual holds a public patent or claim over the invention of EBOO, the development was collaborative. Contributors include:
- Biomedical teams from Italy, who modified dialysis technology to suit ozone infusion
- Ozone therapy pioneers and researchers who validated its biological effects
- Private manufacturers of EBOO equipment, who standardized its design for clinical use
The technology remains largely proprietary, with various clinics and manufacturers using customized versions of the system under different names and protocols.
Long story short
EBOO therapy stands at the intersection of medical ozone therapy and extracorporeal circulation technologies. While its exact inventors remain part of a broader collaboration of researchers and engineers, the influence of thought leaders like Dr. Velio Bocci, along with the clinical insights from European innovators, were all instrumental in bringing this therapy into practice.
As interest in regenerative and detox therapies continues to rise, EBOO remains a subject of ongoing study and cautious optimism in the medical community.
