HBOT Benefits for Wound Care
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) Benefits for Wound Care
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) enhances the body’s natural healing process through the inhalation of 100% oxygen in a body chamber that allows for the atmospheric pressure to be increased and controlled. Oxygen is required to produce cellular energy in the mitochondria of every cell in the body. HBOT benefits have been known to include wound and injury healing, treatment for chronic conditions, strokes and circulatory problems.
Within the hyperbaric chamber, pure oxygen is administered at pressures of 1.5 – 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. Using oxygen at these pressures allows for up to 20 times more oxygen to be absorbed by the blood and transferred to the required organs and tissues which may be injured or damaged. This is highly beneficial for healing times. HBOT encourages new blood vessels to grow and carry additional blood – this increase encourages the body’s defense mechanisms to fight off infection and kill bacteria.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is highly beneficial in wound healing caused by radiation injuries, soft tissue infections, thermal burns, skin grafts, crush injuries and diabetes-related wounds. Healing time is reduced significantly by promoting collagen deposition and decreasing local tissue edema. The treatment also kills anaerobic bacteria in the tissue which prevents further complications.
Brain disorders have also shown benefit from improved oxygenation because oxygen encourages new blood cell formation and new nerve growth as well as increasing the oxygen carried in the blood plasma. HBOT has had great results in the functioning of individuals that have experienced traumatic brain injuries, strokes and dementia. When cells in the brain die, blood plasma leaks out affecting surrounding brain tissue. This causes swelling and reduces the blood flow. Normal cells end become dormant because they are not receiving sufficient oxygen. Through oxygenation, damaged capillary walls are healed and plasma leakage is stopped therefore swelling is reduced. As the swelling decreases, blood can return to normal functioning and dormant tissues are able to recover.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been known to be beneficial in the following cases:
- Decompression Sickness
- Acute Trauma
- Anemia Due to Severe Blood Loss
- Sinus Infections
- Intracranial Abscess
Preparing for HBOT Treatment
Patients should wear clean, cotton clothing. Elements such as cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorant, wigs or jewelry are not allowed in the chamber. Should any medications have been taken prior to the treatment, this should be disclosed with the technician. Patients are advised not to consume alcohol or carbonated drinks prior to the treatment.
How is HBOT administered?
HBOT is administered in either a monoplace chamber or a multiplace chamber. Monoplace chambers accommodate a single person at a time while the multiplace chamber hosts up to 6 patients. The multiplace chamber administers oxygen through a mask or an oxygen hood.
Is HBOT safe?
HBOT should always be administered by a medical professional. There are minor risks associated with the treatment however the overall chamber is extremely safe. Should patients begin to feel claustrophobic, assistants can easily remove them from the chamber, within minutes.
HBOT has the potential to change the quality of your patient’s life - adding hyperbaric oxygen treatment to your practice will open up an offering that allows you to treat patients beyond what traditional medicine can do. Establishing an outpatient wound care facility can optimize the performance of your practice or hospital in the ever-changing health care environment. CūtisCare helps hospital partners, healthcare administration and specialized physicians to distinguish themselves as the leading medical provider in their communities. Our extensive and diverse healthcare expertise will unleash your center’s potential, utilizing innovative custom solutions and market-leading services to optimize results.