Hyperbaric Therapy


Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is the exposure of the body to 100% oxygen in an environment of greater than atmospheric pressure. This allows a higher concentration of oxygen to reach the tissues of the body.


Potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include:

  • Increased blood flow to injured tissues
  • Greater blood vessel formation
  • Reduced swelling
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Accelerated wound healing
  • Preservation of damaged tissue


Hyperbaric Therapy is now being used in the treatment of:

  • Air or Gas Embolism
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Complicated by Cyanide Poisoning
  • Clostridal Myositis and Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)
  • Crush Injury, Compartment Syndrome and other Acute Traumatic Ischemias
  • Decompression Sickness
  • Enhancement of Healing in Selected Problem Wounds
  • Exceptional Blood Loss (Anemia)
  • Intracranial Abcess
  • Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
  • Osteomyelitis (Refractory)
  • Delayed Radiation Injury (Soft Tissue and Bony Necrosis)
  • Skin Grafts (Compromised)
  • Thermal Burns


The hyperbaric oxygen treatment consists of three phases: Compression, Treatment, and Decompression.

During the compression phase you will feel a fullness in your ears, similar to the feeling noted while flying or scuba diving.  Before the treatment you will be taught how to clear your ears, and the operator will help you in relieving fullness during treatment.

The chamber feels warmer during this period of time due to the pressurization, but will cool off as treatment continues.  One of the first things that you will notice is the sound of oxygen entering the chamber. At first it sounds loud, but you will become accustomed to it as the treatment progresses.

When you reach the treatment pressure prescribed by the physician, the fullness in your ears will decrease, and you will feel normal.  During this time, you may rest, sleep, watch television, watch recorded movies or listen to music.

The decompression phase begins at the end of the treatment. As the pressure is decreased in the chamber, you may notice a "pop" or "cracking" sound as your ears readjust to the normal pressure.

 

 

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