For some patients, Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy is effective technology that supplements other methods of wound treatment. Aultman has two hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and 6-8 patients can be treated daily.
During HBO treatments, patients lie comfortably in a pressurized chamber to breathe 100 percent oxygen. The increase in oxygen aids the healing and growth of new tissue. Patients can listen to music, watch TV or nap during therapy.
Generally, patients feel no differently than if lying in their own beds. Patients may sometimes experience a sensation of fullness in the ears - similar to flying on an airplane or driving down a mountain - as eardrums respond to pressure changes within the chamber. Prior to treatment, patients are taught several easy methods to avoid ear discomfort.
HBO is commonly used to treat:
- Diabetic wounds of the lower extremity (feet, legs)
- Wounds that have not healed in several weeks
- Post-radiation tissue injury
- Diabetes-related foot and ankle ulcers
- Crush injuries
- Arterial insufficiency ulcers
- Wounds caused by poor circulation or trauma
- Compromised grafts and flaps
- Gangrene
- Pressure ulcers
- Necrotizing soft-tissue infections
HBO therapy requires daily visits to Aultman Wound Care Services for 3-4 weeks and follow-up wound care to monitor healing progress.
