Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Breathing 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure is a painless, proven way to help the body heal. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers work by surrounding the patient with 100% oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure in sessions, or dives, that last 90 minutes to two hours. This increases the amount of oxygen in the patient's blood allowing red blood cells to pass more easily through the plasma into the wounds to heal them from the inside out.

Introduced in the mid-60's, HBO chambers have evolved to treat patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, necrotizing infections, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and wounds that have not healed within 30 days.

Weighing more then one ton each, the HBO chambers resemble a reclining bed encased in a clear acrylic shell nearly a yard in diameter. Patients can listen to music or watch movies on televisions and VCR/DVD players mounted above the chamber while remaining in constant contact with those outside the chamber through an intercom and private handset. The only physical sensation resulting from the treatment is a slight pressure on the eardrum, such as that felt when a plane lands, as the air in the chamber is compressed.

Medicare-Approved Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:

• Diabetic ulcers of the lower extremities
• Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency
• Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
• Compromised skin grafts and flaps
• Osteoradionecrosis and soft tissue radiation injury
• Progressive necrotizing infections
• Actinomycosis
• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
• Crush injuries
• Gas gangrene
• Acute carbon monoxide intoxication
• Decompression illness
• Gas embolism
• Cyanide poisoning

Other indications may be approved by private insurance. We can help you determine if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is approved by your insurer for your condition.