Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Care
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO2) Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy is a safe, noninvasive medical treatment prescribed by a doctor to enhance the body’s ability to heal. Used primarily for the treatment of complex wounds, HBO2 is available at select Kindred Hospital locations as an outpatient treatment as well as a service for our admitted patients who are receiving long-term acute care.
During HBO2 therapy, patients breathe 100% pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. The pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber is about two and a half times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere. This high-pressure environment allows the blood to carry more oxygen to all parts of your body to repair injured tissue. It also helps to fight certain infections, such as those that occur in the bone.
Often used in conjunction with other treatments, HBO2 therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of a range of wounds and related conditions, including:
- Chronic bone infections, also called osteomyelitis
- Crush injuries
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Necrotizing infections
- Non-healing surgical skin flaps and grafts
- Radiation wounds or symptoms caused by radiation
(such as pain, rectal bleeding or bladder bleeding)
What to Expect During HBO2 Therapy
Prior to entering the hyperbaric chamber, patients are given a hospital gown to wear. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs, jewelry or electronic devices are allowed in the chamber. The HBO2 technician will need to know if you are taking any medications, including non-prescription drugs, or if you have any medical devices. Most pacemakers are allowed in the chamber.
Patients are also advised not to drink alcohol or carbonated beverages for four hours prior to treatment. Smoking and the use of tobacco products interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen. Therefore, the wound care team will work with you on techniques to help stop smoking during the treatment period.
One treatment takes about two hours and is quite comfortable for most patients. During this time, patients can rest or sleep, watch television or listen to music. During certain portions of the treatment, patients may experience some fullness or a popping sensation in the ears similar to what is felt while flying in a plane or driving in the mountains, but the HBO2 technician will teach you how to clear your ears to relieve this sensation.
Complex Wound Care
Kindred Hospitals' interdisciplinary care teams and innovative programs help complex wound patients heal.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment Plan
HBO2 therapy is provided once daily for several weeks throughout your treatment plan. For HBO2 therapy to be effective, it must be provided consistently. HBO2 treatments are much like antibiotic treatments because it only works when taken regularly for the time prescribed by your wound care provider.
We understand that coming to the HBO2 unit each day is a commitment; however, to obtain the greatest benefit from HBO2 therapy, we strongly advise coming to every scheduled appointment.
Following your treatment plan is the single most important factor in your healing. Please don’t hesitate to contact your care team if you have any questions about your HBO2 therapy treatment plan. We are happy to clarify anything you feel uncertain about regarding the HBO2 therapy treatment process.