Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves exposing the body to 100% oxygen
at a pressure that is greater than what you normally experience.
Wounds need oxygen to heal properly, and exposing a wound to 100%
oxygen can, in some cases, speed the healing process.
Procedure overview
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be done in a number of ways. It can be
given in a special type of room called a
hyperbaric oxygen chamber. In this setting, you are completely
immersed in 100% oxygen delivered at high pressure. It can also be
given through a gas mask, which delivers 100% oxygen to your lungs.
The rest of your body is at normal oxygen levels, but still under
higher pressure than normal.
Reasons for the procedure
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used for certain types of wounds. Some
of these are:
Delayed radiation injuries
Soft tissue infections
Thermal burns
Certain skin grafts and flaps
Crush injuries
Diabetes-related wounds
Ask your provider if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is appropriate for
your condition, particularly if you have diabetes-related wounds.
Risks of the procedure
Side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are extremely rare but
include:
Pressure-related trauma to your ears or nose
Nearsightedness (This usually resolves within days to weeks after
the last treatment.)
Non–life-threatening convulsions related to oxygen toxicity
Decompression sickness
A few patients with severe congestive heart failure have experienced
additional problems with heart function after hyperbaric oxygen
therapy. Share your complete medical history with your provider to
make certain hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe for you.
During the procedure
Some facilities have a large hyperbaric oxygen chamber that can
treat up to a dozen people at a time. But the typical hospital has
what is known as a monoplace. This is equipment for just one person.
Here is what usually happens during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy
session:
You will likely be asked to remove your clothing and wear a medical
gown that is 100% cotton.
You will lie on a table that slides into the monoplace. This is a
clear plastic tube that’s about 7-feet long.
You will be asked to relax and breathe normally during the
procedure. You can watch TV or listen to music.
You will be able to talk to the therapist at any time during the
treatment. The therapist can see you and talk to you at all times
The chamber will be sealed and then filled with pressurized oxygen.
The pressure will rise to 2.5 times the normal air pressure. You may
experience some ear popping or mild discomfort. This is completely
normal.
The session will last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
After the therapy, technicians will slowly depressurize the chamber.
After the procedure
Once your hyperbaric oxygen therapy session is complete, you may
feel lightheaded or tired. These symptoms will usually go away after
a short period of time.
The number of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments you will need
depends on the extent of your wound and how well the wound responds
to therapy.
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