Saint Alphonsus Center for Advanced Wound Healing and Hyperbarics program provides advanced treatment for complicated or chronic wounds. We are committed to providing the best wound care to patients.
As part of a large healthcare system, we have access to a wide range of services critical to wound healing and work closely with multiple specialties. Our staff is specialty trained in Hyperbaric Medicine.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is breathing 100% oxygen at a pressure 2 to 3 times higher than atmospheric pressure while inside a hyperbaric chamber. This promotes the uptake of oxygen into the body, increasing oxygen levels 10 to 15 times higher than normal. The increase in oxygen helps promote wound healing and fight infection.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
Tissues in the body require adequate amounts of oxygen to function. When tissue is injured, it requires more oxygen to heal. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen in the blood which increases the amount of oxygen getting to the tissues.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Effects
- Increased oxygenation to injured tissues
- Decrease in inflammation
- New blood vessel formation
- Improved immune system function
- Enhanced effectiveness of some medications
- Gas bubble volume reduction
What is the purpose of breathing oxygen under pressure?
Breathing 100 percent oxygen causes a 10-15 fold increase in oxygen dissolved blood plasma, which is then delivered to those areas that are having trouble healing due to lack of oxygen.
This treatment can promote the growth of new blood vessels, salvage and resuscitate damaged or diseased tissue, accelerate wound healing, promote collagen synthesis and reduce swelling and inflammation. Increased oxygenation of tissue also enhances antibiotic transportation across cell walls.
Will I feel anything during treatment and are there side effects?
The only sensation you will experience is during the beginning (compression) phase of treatment. The slowly increasing pressure will push on your eardrum. This is exactly the same feeling you would experience when landing in an airplane or diving to the bottom of a swimming pool. Our staff will instruct you on the different methods of relieving this ear pressure.
HBOT is a noninvasive procedure. Side effects vary depending on pre-existing conditions. Your hyperbaric physician will talk to you about your situation before treatment begins.
How long does a treatment last?
An average treatment lasts approximately two hours. Typically, 30 treatments are given within a one- to five-month period. Most people do not experience claustrophobia while inside the chamber.
You will be able to see out in all directions and there is always an attendant in the room during your treatment.
