Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

When wounds do not respond to general wound care treatments alone, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may be the key to complete healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) - the use of 100% oxygen under pressure to promote tissue repair - works because it quickly delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream. It is a supplemental therapy used along with current medical and surgical therapy.

HBOT accelerates healing by:

• Stimulating small blood vessel growth
• Promoting new skin growth
• Helping fight infection

Hyperbaric medicine is now provided at the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at The Chester County Hospital. Our Hyperbaric unit is a large, clear acrylic chamber with its own TV, so patients may watch movies or listen to music during treatment. The completely transparent chambers allow patients to see and be seen at all times.

For Wound Care Patients

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is indicated for about 20 percent of wound care patients. Your treating physician will determine whether or not it is appropriate in your case. The average course of treatment lasts four to six weeks (excluding weekends). HBOT is painless and does not require pain medication.

For Physicians, Podiatrists and Wound Care Centers

Patients who are already receiving wound care with you can continue that treatment while HBOT supplements your plan of care.

There are five primary diagnoses for which HBOT is indicated in a wound care center setting:

• Compromised skin grafts or flaps
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Ischemic wounds
• Radiation necrosis
• Refractory osteomyelitis

Hyperbaric Treatment Guidelines

For safety reasons, certain items are not allowed inside the hyperbaric chambers. Please do not wear or bring the following into the chamber during your treatment:

• Makeup
• Perfume
• Aftershave
• Hairspray/hair oils
• Wigs/hairpieces
• Nail polish
• Alcohol or petroleum-based products
• Metallic items of any kind (jewelry, watches, coins, etc.)
• Flammable materials
• Hearing aids
• Glasses

When you arrive for treatment, you will be provided with appropriate garments to wear.
Ask your hyperbaric physician for advice about wearing contact lenses during treatment. You should refrain from smoking during the course of your treatment, as tobacco use will prolong the healing process, constricting blood vessels in your body.

Last Updated: 11/11/2011