Hyperbaric and Wound Clinic

Treatment

How exactly is HBOT administered?

Before going into the monoplace chamber, the patient is required to remove all clothing and put on a 100% cotton gown. Once they are lying comfortably on the transfer gurney, it will be slid into the chamber. After the door closes, the gentle "hiss" of the incoming oxygen used to pressurize the chamber will be heard.

As pressure develops in the chamber, the patient will notice a slight warming. They will also feel a fullness in their ears and should begin ear clearing procedures. When compression is complete, the need for ear clearing ceases. The patient may now rest, watch TV, view a video tape or listen to music.

During decompression, the chamber becomes cooler and the patient will feel a slight popping sensation in their ears as they adjust to the changing pressure. There is no need to clear the ears during decompression. No oxygen mask is required in this chamber because the entire chamber is filled with oxygen.

What does HBOT feel like?

At the start of the treatment, many patients experience a sensation similar to that felt while flying and/or landing in an airplane. It is common to feel pressure in the ears.  Therefore, patients continually equalize pressure during compression and decompression.  Once at treatment depth, many read, sleep or listen to music. The majority of patients rest comfortably throughout.  

How long does a hyperbaric oxygen treatment last?

Most treatments, including those for wound healing, last about 2 hours. Treatments for acute indications, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, may last as long as 4 hours, and under rare circumstances, some diving injuries may require treatment even longer than 8 hours.

How much pressure will be used for HBOT treatment?

Treatments to enhance wound healing for chronic conditions are usually at 2.0 Atmospheres Absolute Pressure (ATA). Most emergencies are treated with greater pressures, but usually at 3 ATA or less. Treatment for cerebral gas embolism may require compression to pressures up to 6 ATA.