What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that increases the amount of oxygen blood cells can carry. It has been used for more than 70 years to improve healing in tissues deprived of oxygen. Studies show it significantly improves healing for some types of chronic wounds.

How Do I Know if HBOT is Right for Me?

Ask your doctor to evaluate your wound and consider any coexisting medical conditions affecting your ability to heal.

How Does HBOT Work?

Patients lay inside a clear-sided chamber filled with 100% oxygen that is pressurized to greater than sea-level pressure. The pressure is not uncomfortable or even noticeable for most people after they get used to the feeling. Blood-oxygen levels can increase by nearly three times. When blood carries this extra level of oxygen throughout the body, it helps fight bacteria and stimulate the release of growth factors that promote healing.

What Types of Wounds Are Typically Treated by HBOT?

1. Diabetic wounds or foot ulcers grades 3-5
2. Radiation Injuries：Osteoradionecrosis (ORN)- bone injury caused by radiation， Soft tissue radionecrosis (STRN)- tissue damage caused by radiation， Radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC)
3. Traumatic/acute crush injuries
4. Progressive necrotizing infection
5. Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency

What To Know If Your Doctor Recommends HBOT

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Your individual plan of care will be based on your wound type, health conditions and healing progress. Most patients receive between 30 and 40 treatments.

How long does a HBOT treatment last?

Most treatments last between 90 and 120 minutes. Your doctor will inform of your particular schedule based on your treatment.

What Will I Do During Treatment?

You can take a nap, read or watch TV. When you are in the clear chamber, you are able to see out of the chamber in all directions. If you are anxious, the doctor can prescribe medicine to help you relax.

How To Prepare For Treatment

What Should I Wear To The Wound Care Center?

For your safety, please DO NOT wear any of the following:

1. Makeup
2. Battery-operated medical devices
3. Nail polish (polish that has been on less than 24 hours is okay)
4. Perfume, cologne or aftershave
5. Jewelry (including watches and earrings)
6. Wigs or hairpieces
7. Deodorants
8. Contact lenses
9. Skin lotions
10. Hairsprays or oils

Additionally, you cannot have anything in your mouth during treatment, such as gum, loose-fitting dentures or candy.

What Should I Tell My Doctor and HBOT Technician?

Be sure to tell your doctor and HBOT technician about the following medical conditions:

Battery-Operated Medical Device

If you have an internal battery-operated medical device such as a pacemaker or pain pump, the staff will check to make sure your device can be used in the chamber.

If you have an external battery-operated medical device, it cannot go into the chamber. Your HBOT
physician will contact your doctor for instructions on how to deal with this device.

Diabetes

Your doctor will discuss blood sugar control with you. The HBOT technician will check your blood sugar before and after treatment. Take your medicine as prescribed. Eat before HBOT.

Chemotherapy

Tell your wound care physician if you are currently being treated with chemotherapy or have previously received treatment.