After an initial evaluation, each patient receives a comprehensive, individualized plan designed to help heal these complicated wounds. We work to address the underlying cause of the problem, control infection, and improve the overall health of our patients. Our staff will coordinate your care with your primary care physician to ensure your overall wellbeing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a specialized treatment that allows you to breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. High concentrations of oxygen are delivered to the bloodstream, ranging from 10 to 20 times the normal amount. This pure oxygen can penetrate areas that oxygen-carrying red blood cells cannot reach. As a result, it helps revitalize tissues that receive poor blood flow and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels.
Increased oxygen also enables more infection-fighting white blood cells to reach affected areas. Most patients require treatment over the course of several weeks to effectively treat wounds.
Hyperbaric therapy is painless, and most patients watch TV or sleep during their treatments. A Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) will monitor your treatment at all times and a physician will always be nearby. During treatment, once you are comfortably positioned inside the chamber, the technologist will slowly increase the air pressure. As the pressure increases initially and decreases at the end of the treatment, you may notice the same sensation you sometimes feel when changing altitude in an airplane. Your technologist will help you equalize the pressure between your ears, if necessary.
Conditions
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Lower Leg Ulcers
- Venous Stasis Ulcers
- Arterial (Ischemic) Ulcers
- Bone Infection
- Gangrene
- Skin Tears & Lacerations
- Radiation Burns
- Postoperative Infection
Treatments
- Hyperbaric therapy
Steward Health Care