Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be the cure for chronic wounds

Saint Peter's was the first hospital in the area to offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) services. This cutting-edge technology increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and can offer distinct benefits, including enhanced formation of new blood vessels, infection control, preservation of damaged tissues and wound healing.

Wound Care Center® and Hyperbaric Services are offered in New Brunswick, New Jersey and Monroe Township, New Jersey. The Center is a leader in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of chronic nonhealing wounds. Patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team of board-certified physicians that includes general surgeons, vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, internists, geriatricians, infectious disease specialists, physiatrists and clinical wound specialists.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about HBO therapy.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy? How does it work?

HBOT treatment is provided in a chamber from which you can see outside while you are in it. You lay on a stretcher inside the chamber. You can watch TV or even a movie. The chamber is pressurized. You breathe 100% oxygen. Your blood carries the extra oxygen, and it is taken to your injured area.

How do I find out if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is for me?

If you have a wound that hasn’t healed in four weeks, ask your doctor. He or she will evaluate your wound and decide if hyperbaric wound care is for you.

Can someone stay with me during HBOT?

To protect the privacy of our patients, family members may not remain with you during your treatment. A waiting room is provided for their comfort. A trained staff member is always in the room during treatment. You can communicate with them at any time.

What should I wear?

We put safety first. We will provide you with clothing to wear during your treatment. Please do not wear any of the following items when you come to the center for HBOT:

• Makeup
• Wigs or hair pieces
• Nail polish that has been on less than 24 hours. You can paint your nails at least 24 hours before an HBOT treatment.
• Loose fitting dentures
• Contact lenses
• Deodorants
• Skin lotions
• Perfume cologne or aftershave
• Jewelry, including watches and earrings
• Hair spray or oils
• You cannot have anything in your mouth such as: gum, loose dentures or candy during treatment.

Let the staff know if you feel ill or are congested.

How many treatments will I need?

Treatment is different for each patient. It depends on the patient’s condition and response to therapy. Most patients receive between 30 and 40 treatments.

How long does a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatment last?

Treatment will last about 2 hours. You will receive one treatment a day, Monday through Friday. Your doctor will tell you if you need more than one treatment a day.

What should I expect before treatment?

The HBOT technician will take your vital signs and listen to your lungs. The inside of your ears will be examined. You will be asked about your pain. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar will be checked. Safety checks will be done before each treatment.

Is HBOT painful?

HBOT is not painful. At the beginning of your hyperbaric wound care treatment you may feel pressure in your ears. Like when you fly in a plane or drive up into the mountains. You may have to clear your ears. The HBOT staff will instruct you on methods for clearing your ears: swallow, yawn or open and close your mouth.

What should I tell my doctor before I begin HBOT?

Tell your doctor if you have an internal battery-operated medical device such as a pacemaker or pain pump. The staff will make sure your device can be used in the chamber. If you have an external battery-operated medical device, it cannot go into the chamber. Your HBOT physician will contact your doctor for instructions on how to deal with this device. And, be sure to inform your HBOT doctor if you have EVER had chemotherapy.

What if I have diabetes?

Your doctor will discuss blood sugar control with you. The HBOT technician will check your blood sugar before and after treatment. Take your medicine as prescribed and eat before HBOT therapy.

What if you feel claustrophobic?

When you are in the chamber you can see out in all directions. If you are anxious, the doctor can prescribe medicine to help you relax.

Is HBOT covered by my insurance?

Medicare has approved coverage for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound healing including many types of chronic nonhealing wounds. Most private insurance companies follow Medicare rules. We will review your insurance plan with you before your therapy starts to make sure you know what your costs will be.

Schedule an appointment with a doctor at Saint Peter’s University Hospital and discuss whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the right treatment for you.

Source: Healogics - www.healogics.com/wound-care-patient-information/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-wound-treatment/