Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment in which the patient breathes 100% pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. The air pressure inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is about two and a half times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere. This “hyperbaric” (or high pressure) dose of oxygen helps your blood carry more oxygen to your organs and tissues to promote wound healing. It also activates the white blood cells to fight infection.
Patients typically receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy five days a week for approximately four to six weeks. One treatment takes about two hours and is quite comfortable for most patients. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used as part of the treatment for certain conditions, including the following:
- Slow to heal or non-healing wounds
- Diabetic foot ulcers or leg ulcers
- Non-healing skin grafts or surgical flaps
- Surgical wounds that have opened
- Radiation wounds or symptoms caused by radiation (such as pain, rectal or bladder bleeding)
- Chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis)
- Crush injuries
- Thermal burns
- Necrotizing infections
Preparing for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Our physicians and clinical staff at the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine are specially-trained in hyperbaric medicine and will inform you how many treatments you will need.
During your treatment, you may watch television, a movie or take a nap. You will be given a hospital gown to wear in the chamber. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs, jewelry or electronic devices are allowed in the chamber. Most pacemakers are allowed in the chamber. The hyperbaric technologist will need to know if you are taking any medications, including non-prescription drugs. You are advised not to drink alcohol or carbonated beverages for four hours prior to treatment.
Smoking and the use of tobacco products interferes with the body’s ability to transport oxygen. Therefore, your doctor will work with you on techniques to help stop smoking during the treatment period. Following your treatment plan is the single most important factor in your healing.
Should you have questions about The Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicines’ hyperbaric oxygen therapy procedure, contact us to find out more about what to expect during a visit.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment Plan
HBO therapy is provided once daily for several weeks throughout your treatment plan. For HBO therapy to be effective, it must be provided consistently. HBO treatments are much like antibiotic treatments because it only works when taken regularly for the time prescribed by your wound care provider.
We understand that coming to the HBO unit each day is a commitment; however, to obtain the greatest benefit from HBO therapy, we strongly advise coming to every scheduled appointment.
Following your treatment plan is the single most important factor in your healing. Please don’t hesitate to contact your care team if you have any questions about your HBO therapy treatment plan. We are happy to clarify anything you feel uncertain about regarding the HBO therapy treatment process.
