Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is used as an adjunctive treatment for problematic, non-healing wounds that meet certain criteria. Not all patients cared for at the Wound Treatment Center will need hyperbaric therapy. During treatments, the patient breaths in 100% pure oxygen and the patient’s blood plasma becomes saturated, carrying 20 to 30 times the normal amount of oxygen to the body’s tissue. It also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, which improve circulation. The pressurized chamber also aids in controlling edema. The ultimate result is the body’s natural wound healing mechanisms, which are oxygen dependent, are able to function more efficiently.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy might be right for you if you have one of the following conditions:
- Acute carbon monoxide intoxication
- Decompression illness
- Gas embolism
- Gas gangrene
- Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
- Crush injuries and suturing of severed limbs
- Progressive necrotizing infections (necrotizing fasciitis, Meleney’s Ulcer)
- Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency
- Preparation and preservation of compromised skin grafts and flaps
- Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
- Osteoradionecrosis
- Soft tissue radionecrosis
- Cyanide poisoning
- Actinomycosis
- Enhancement of healing in selected problem wounds
- Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities.
What Will I Experience During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Once you arrive, you will change into a 100% cotton garment provided by the Center. For safety reasons no other clothing may be worn inside the hyperbaric chamber. During your visit you will be examined by a physician and your treatment will be monitored by a technician.
Once you are comfortably positioned in the chamber, the treatment will begin. You may experience fullness in your ears as a result of the increased pressure and a gradual change in temperature. The technician, who will be monitoring your entire treatment, will instruct you in ways to help clear the pressure and relieve any discomfort. Most treatment sessions last approximately two hours. While undergoing treatment, you may watch TV or videos, simply relax or even sleep.
When your treatment is complete, the chamber is restored to normal pressure and the interior of the chamber will cool. Before you leave the center, you will be examined once more by our specialized staff. Our technician and staff will guide you through the entire process.
How often will I have HBO treatments?
Patients referred to HBO therapy will visit the clinic daily (M-F) to receive HBO treatments. The average patient will experience 20 to 30 treatments before the wound is completely healed.
How long should I plan to be at the Wound Center for a HBO treatment?
Please allow up to two and a half hours for each visit.
Will there be any side-effects of the hyperbaric therapy?
You may experience temporary vision changes that should subside a few weeks after your therapy is complete. You may also experience fatigue. Both are normal side-effects.