Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Among the services offered in the Wound Care program is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). During HBOT, the patient relaxes inside a pressurized chamber that is filled with 100 percent oxygen. This super-oxygenated blood is then delivered to tissues throughout the body to help heal, fight off infection, decrease swelling, and aid in the growth of new blood vessels.

These benefits cannot be achieved by breathing oxygen in a regular room. Wounds receiving the HBOT have a much higher success of healing and can potentially prevent amputation.

HBOT takes about 90 minutes. The hyperbaric provider and your referring physician will determine the best treatment schedule for you. Most wound-healing plans require an average of 30 to 40 hyperbaric oxygen treatments. The greatest benefit is attained when hyperbaric therapy is given five days per week over an extended period of time.

The hyperbaric medicine staff is a specialized team of skilled providers from multiple specialties, nurses and technicians. Before starting your hyperbaric therapy, a provider and technician will meet with you to discuss your overall treatment plan and address any questions or concerns you may have.

HBOT is often recommended for the optimal treatment of chronic non-healing wounds. Conditions that may benefit from HBOT include:

• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Soft tissue ‎radionecrosis (radiation cystitis; non-healing wounds in an area that received radiation)
• Osteoradionecrosis (mouth/tooth issues after receiving radiation to the area)

Many non-healing wounds and traumatic wounds and most pressure ulcers do not qualify for HBOT.