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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Simple and Effective
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment in which the patient breathes 100%
oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The therapy quickly delivers high concentrations
of oxygen to the bloodstream, assists in the healing process of wounds and is
effective in fighting certain types of infections. It also stimulates the growth
of new blood vessels and improves circulation. Treatments are administered daily
(Monday through Friday) and the number you receive will depend on your diagnosis.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions including:
- Enhancement of healing in selected problem wounds
- Crush injuries
- Gas gangrene
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
- Osteomyelitis
- Radiation tissue damage
- Skin grafts and flaps
- Brown recluse spider bite
- Diabetic wounds of the lower extremity
When You Arrive at the Center
After an initial consultation and examination at the Center for Wound Care
and Hyperbaric Medicine, you will be ready to begin your therapy. When you arrive,
you will receive complete instructions regarding your treatment. Before starting,
you will change into a 100% cotton garment provided by the center. For safety
reasons, no other clothing may be worn inside the hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
What to Expect During Treatment
Once you are comfortably positioned inside the chamber, the pressure will gradually
be increased and the temperature will temporarily rise. You may experience fullness
in your ears as a result of the increased pressure. The technician will instruct
you in ways to help clear the pressure and relieve any discomfort. Most treatment
sessions in the chamber last approximately two hours. While undergoing treatment,
you may watch TV or videos, simply relax or even sleep.
When your treatment is complete, the chamber is restored to normal pressure
and the interior of the chamber will cool somewhat. Our technician and staff
will guide you through the entire process.
For More Information
If you have questions or need further information, call the Center for Wound
Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at St. Mary's Medical Center at 816-655-5780.
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