Hyperbaric Medicine

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is Oxygen, Pure and Simple.

The air we breathe contains 21% oxygen. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy provides 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This "hyperbaric" (or high pressure) dose of oxygen offers distinct therapeutic benefits to treat a variety of illnesses. It may be the primary treatment for some disorders, but it's often combined with antibiotics and surgery.

How It Works

You will be breathing 100% oxygen while placed in a comfortable hyperbaric chamber. The chamber is then pressurized as prescribed by your doctor. The therapy gently increases the amount of oxygen delivered to body tissues by your blood. It is important to note that the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy result from an oxygen-enriched bloodstream and not from the oxygen's direct contact with wounds. This is why wound dressings are usually left in place during treatment. Your doctor will discuss the specific reason for your referral to hyperbaric therapy, but generally this treatment provides one or more of the following effects:

Advanced wound healing

Increased oxygen delivery to injured tissue

Improved infection control

Greater blood vessel formation

Preservation of damaged tissues

Elimination and reduced effects of toxic substances

Reduction or elimination of gas-bubble obstructions

The following is a listing of approved indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which are currently reimbursed by Medicare, HMOs and other insurance carriers:

• Crush injuries and suturing of severed limbs
• Progressive necrotizing infections (necrotizing fasciitis, Meleney's Ulcer)
• Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency
• Preparation and preservation of compromised skin grafts and flaps
• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
• Osteoradionecrosis
• Soft tissue radionecrosis
• Actinomycosis
• Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities