Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment in which the patient breathes
100% pure oxygen while inside of a pressurized chamber. The pressure inside
of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is about two-and-a-half times greater than
the normal pressure in the atmosphere. This 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.
Wounds and conditions that are commonly treated with HBOT include, but
are not limited to:
- Chronic bone infections
- Diabetic foot ulcers that meet certain criteria
- Compromised skin grafts or flaps (i.e., grafts or flaps that don’t
“take”)
- Late effects of radiation (i.e., effects after radiation can occur months
or even years after the treatment)
If you are a candidate for HBOT, a staff member will tell you how many
treatments you will need. Before beginning your treatment, you will be
given 100% cotton clothing 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).
Most treatments last about two hours. During treatment, you may watch television,
a movie or take a nap. The number of treatments can vary depending on
your diagnosis, but thirty treatments (5 days per week) is common.