Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen while under pressure in a hyperbaric chamber. Breathing 100% oxygen under pressure allows more oxygen to be absorbed in the blood stream and plasma, which is then delivered to areas of the body that are having trouble healing due to lack of oxygen in the surrounding tissues.
HBOT Benefits Patients
- With diabetes and a wound that is slow to heal, or is not healing
- With damaged tissue from radiation therapy
- With a skin graft that has a questionable blood supply; For a failed flap that has not healed, talk with a physician / provider for possible assistance through HBOT
- With certain infections of the bone and / or skin
- With a wound that has shown no improvement and evaluation by medical professional determines HBOT is appropriate
Treatment
Most hyperbaric oxygen therapy patients do not suffer from claustrophobia as the clear acrylic chamber allows the patient to see out in all directions. Patients feeling anxious about the treatment can be prescribed medication to assist in relaxation. An average treatment lasts approximately two hours. The number of days per week for the treatment varies, but for best results treatment should occur five days per week.
A trained healthcare professional is in the room with the patient for the entire treatment with communication available via phone system. The only sensation a patient experiences is during the pressurization of the treatment. The slowly increasing pressure will push on the patient's eardrum, the same feeling experienced when landing in an airplane or diving to the bottom of a swimming pool. The patient will be instructed on methods to relieve the ear pressure. The patient may be warm with pressurization and cool when decompressing.
Family members, significant others, and / or friends are encouraged and welcome to participate in the patient's initial orientation. After the initial evaluation process, it is recommended that only one family member, significant other, or friend accompany the patient to the Advanced Wound Center for treatment. For patient privacy, family members are not permitted in the chamber room during dives.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is covered by most medical insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Patient Safety
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is very safe. HBOT safe standards are practiced as recommended by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, as well as clinical practice guidelines and safety standards in the industry. Each patient receives detailed information prior to the first treatment. Staff at the Advanced Wound Center will ensure patient safety and answer all questions prior to treatment.
Conemaugh Advanced Wound Center
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center - Lee Campus
320 Main Street, First Floor Johnstown, PA 15905
Phone: (814) 534-6840
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4 pm