Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

(HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, leveraging the therapeutic benefits of high-pressure oxygen to enhance healing and recovery.

1. Environment: Pressurized Chamber: The treatment takes place in a specially designed hyperbaric chamber where the atmospheric pressure is increased to levels higher than normal (typically 1.5 to 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure).

2. Oxygen Delivery: Pure Oxygen: Patients breathe 100% oxygen, which significantly raises the level of oxygen in their blood plasma.

How It Works

Indications for HBOT

HBOT is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

1. Wound Healing:

Chronic Non-Healing Wounds: Such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers.
Radiation Injuries: Tissue damage caused by radiation therapy, known as radiation necrosis.
Infected Wounds: Particularly those with deep tissue infections like osteomyelitis (bone infection).

2. Acute Conditions:

Decompression Sickness: Commonly known as “the bends,” affecting divers.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: HBOT helps displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin.
Gas Gangrene: A severe bacterial infection.
Crush Injuries and Compartment Syndrome: Where enhanced oxygen delivery can reduce damage and aid recovery.

Procedure

HBOT is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

1. Preparation:

Medical Evaluation: Patients undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure HBOT is appropriate for their condition.
Patient Instructions: Guidance on what to expect, including the need to equalize ear pressure during the session.

2. Session:

Duration: Each session typically lasts between 60 to 120 minutes.
Frequency: The number of sessions varies based on the condition being treated, ranging from a few sessions to multiple sessions over weeks or months.

3. Post-Treatment:

Monitoring: Patients are monitored for any adverse effects, such as ear pain or sinus discomfort.

Benefits

Enhanced Healing:

Improved oxygenation of tissues accelerates healing processes.

Infection Control:

Increased oxygen levels enhance the bactericidal capabilities of white blood cells.

Reduced Inflammation:

Decreased swelling and inflammation in treated areas.

Tissue Regeneration:

Stimulation of growth factors and stem cells promotes tissue repair and regeneration.

Risks and Contraindications

Barotrauma : Injury to the ears or sinuses due to pressure changes.
Oxygen Toxicity : Rare but can occur with high concentrations of oxygen over prolonged periods.
Claustrophobia : Discomfort due to being in an enclosed chamber.
Contraindications : Certain conditions, such as untreated pneumothorax, certain implanted medical devices, may preclude HBOT. An evaluation by a provider will explore this treatment option in depth.