Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
A patient that has not begun to heal in two weeks, or is not completely healed in four weeks, may benefit from specialized wound care like hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Patients may be referred by a doctor, healthcare professional, or may refer themselves to one of our centers.
Our wound care physicians will complete a history and physical, order diagnostic tests, determine a plan of care following established clinical practice guidelines for our patient’s wounds, and utilize Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy when indicated. Treatment will focus on the causation of the wound, co-existing conditions that impact wound healing, and topical wound management.
Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Diabetic ulcers of the lower extremities
- Soft tissue radionecrosis and osteoradionecrosis
- Radiation cystitis, proctitis and enteritis
- Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
- Compromised skin grafts and flaps
- Actinomycosis
- Crush injury/acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
- Progressive necrotizing infection/fasciitis
- Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency
Appropriately selected patients are placed in a large, clear acrylic chamber that is pressurized with 100% oxygen to increases the dissolved oxygen content in blood plasma. Patients can comfortably breathe while enjoying a nap or watching television
The direct result may include
- Immediate correction of tissue hypoxia in ischemic, infected, or irradiated tissue
- Stimulation and support of collagen synthesis and new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis)
- Reduction of local tissue edema by local alteration in blood flow
- Enhancement of immune function by supporting white blood cells- medicated microbial control and improving antibiotic effectiveness