Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen used under pressure, otherwise known as hyperbaric oxygen, can be especially effective in treating non-healing wounds. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) enhances your body’s natural healing process and strengthens your immune system.

During HBOT, a patient lies comfortably in a clear, acrylic, tube-like compartment that releases pure oxygen. The air pressure is raised two to three times above regular atmospheric pressure, resulting in blood plasma oxygen concentrations 10 to 15 times greater than normal. This increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and allows a high level of oxygen to infuse damaged wound tissues. This speeds the healing process while also fighting infection. HBOT can be used in conjunction with traditional wound care methods.

Hyperbaric patients are able to see clearly through the chamber and can watch TV or DVDs, sleep or read during treatment. Patients are accompanied by a HBOT-certified technician at all times.

The therapy typically involves one two-hour session per day, Monday through Friday, for 30 to 40 days.

When is hyperbaric oxygen therapy the right treatment?

• Diabetic ulcers of the lower extremities
• Soft tissue radionecrosis and osteoradionecrosis
• Radiation cystitis, proctitis and enteritis
• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
• Compromised skin grafts and flaps
• Actinomycosis
• Crush injury/acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
• Progressive necrotizing infection/fasciitis
• Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency

Patients are placed in a large, clear acrylic chamber that is pressurized with 100% oxygen to increases the dissolved oxygen content in blood plasma. Patients can comfortably breathe while enjoying a nap or watching television.