Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Coming soon to The Laser Centre

 

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is defined as breathing 100% oxygen while in an enclosed system pressurized to greater than one atmosphere (sea level).

How does it work?

The air we breathe is 21% oxygen, 79% nitrogen and minor amounts of other gases. Our bodies are usually able to heal themselves with a normal oxygen level, but in certain conditions extra oxygen is required. During HBO therapy, the pressure is increased to 2 - 3 times that of sea-level and you breathe 100% oxygen. Breathing pure oxygen under pressure causes a much larger than normal amount of oxygen to be dissolved into the blood and the rest of the body.

 

The extra oxygen is used by the body in many ways. Depending on the underlying problem, the actions can include improved wound healing by reduction of swelling, infection control and the stimulation of new blood vessel growth. In dysbaric injuries, there is a reduction in gas bubble size and a reduction in the body’s response to that injury.

What are the benefits of HBOT?

• Diabetic wounds
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Radiation tissue damage (Osteoradionecrosis)
• Osteomyelitis (Refractory)
• Skins grafts and flaps (compromised)
• Necrotising soft tissue infections
• Thermal burns
• Crush injury, compartment syndrome and other acute traumatic ischemias
• Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas gangrene)
• Actinomycosis
• Air or gas embolism
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Smoke inhalation
• Decompression sickness
• Severe anaemia
• Cyanide poisoning

How does HBOT enhance wound healing?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers oxygen quickly and in high concentrations to injured areas systemically. The increased pressure changes the normal cellular respiration process and causes oxygen to dissolve in the plasma. This results in a substantial increase in tissue oxygenation. HBOT is beneficial because it stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and increases oxygenation that can arrest certain types of infections and enhance wound healing.

 

How often is treatment administered?

Although treatment schedules will vary, most treatments will be administered during two hour sessions, several times a week. Acute conditions may require a treatment period of ten days or less, while chronic conditions may require therapy over a few weeks.

 

What does the Patient experience during treatment?

The first stage of treatment is compression, in which the pressure inside the system is gradually increased. The temperature will rise and later be adjusted to a comfortable level. The patient will feel a fullness in the ears. Instruction is provided to help clear the pressure and relieve temporary discomfort. Inside the chamber, the patient can sleep, watch TV, or a video tape, listen to music, read or just relax.

 

 

What do I wear during treatment?

Patients will be provided with appropriate gowns to wear during treatment. No articles containing nylon or polyester can be worn in the chamber. Watches and other jewellery, dentures, contact lenses and other prosthetic devices will also need to be removed before treatment.

Cosmetics, hair spray, nail polish, perfume, or shaving lotion containing petroleum, alcohol or oil base are not allowed while in the Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber. However, those products may be reapplied after each treatment. Please discuss any skin care products in use prior to treatment to assure safety and maximum treatment benefit

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