Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy is a mode of therapy in which a person
breathes 100% oxygen inside a hyperbaric chamber at a pressure greater
than normal.
This allows extra oxygen to be transported via blood fluid (plasma) in
addition to that delivered conventionally by hemoglobin, red blood
cells.
The therapy is
proven effective in a variety of medical conditions, either as a
primary health care or in addition to other medical treatments such as
antibiotics or surgery.
How
does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
The
air we breathe contains 21% of oxygen at sea level. When
breathing pure oxygen at pressures higher than normal additional
“hyperbaric” oxygen dissolves in the blood plasma greatly
increasing the quantity of oxygen transferred to any tissue in the
body. This additional oxygen will penetrate into areas
otherwise depleted of oxygen or blood supply due to injury or
chronic problems.
At
BaroMedical hyperbaric oxygen is delivered inside a clear acrylic
cylinder – a “hyperbaric chamber”, designed for individual sessions for
one person at a time. The chamber is filled with 100% oxygen,
circulating at high flow and pressure, providing the full benefit of
the therapy in a comfortable environment.
When breathing the
oxygen atmosphere inside the chamber there is no need for a mask
or a hood as required in air pressurized chambers.
BaroMedical's chambers are certified for operation up to 3
atmospheres for which hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been
proven effective and safe in infection control and wound healing.
How
does hyperbaric oxygen therapy feel?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally painless and without any
discomfort. In fact, it is quite enjoyable and relaxing to
the
point where we might have to wake you up at the end of a session.
At
the beginning of the treatment, when the pressure is increased, as well
as at the end when the pressure is decreased and brought to normal, you
will feel a pressure change in your ears. Prior to treatments
we
will teach you how to equalize the pressure. Fullness and
popping
in your ears upon change in pressure might feel similar to driving up a
mountain. During the rest of the treatment, usually 1 ½ to 2
hours long, you can listen to music, watch TV or snooze it off if you
wish.
What
are the possible benefits of hyperbaric oxygen?
Increased
concentration of oxygen combined with increased pressure greatly
increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood and thereby the
amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues.
Hyperbaric oxygen offers
distinct therapeutic effects:
- Increases
oxygen delivery to injured tissues
- Stops further tissue damage
- Prevents and/or reduces infection<
- Reduces swelling
- Improves immune system response
- Improves blood vessel formation
- Promotes wound healing
- Increases bone recovery
- Improves peripheral nerve regeneration
- Eliminates toxic substances
- Reduces effects from toxic substances
- Increases the effect of some antibiotics
- Reduces muscle spasm
- Increases muscular force and reduces fatigue
- Relieves the pain
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Which
conditions can be treated with hyperbaric oxygen?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is proven effective for various acute or
chronic conditions where oxygen supply to tissues is compromised or
infection is taking place. Some of the most common chronic
conditions successfully addressed with hyperbaric oxygen are:
- Non-healing and infected wound - ulcers
- diabetic ulcers (prevention of amputation)
- venous and arterial insufficiency ulcers
- pressure sores from wheel chair or bed rest
confinement
- Bone infections such as osteomyelitis
- Radiation injury
- necrosis of bone or soft tissue in patients being
treated for cancer
- Bacterial infections (subcutaneous, muscle, fascia)
- Burns (improved tissue salvage, fast recovery and
minimal scarring)
- Frostbites (treated in time can save limbs from
amputation)
- Carbon monoxide, cyanide poisoning, smoke inhalation
- Extreme loss of blood or anemia - when blood
transfusion is not an option
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In acute cases, such as air/gas embolism and decompression sickness,
hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the primary health care method.
How
many sessions do I need?
The number of session is
individualized to each person. The hyperbaric health care
team at
BaroMedical will discuss a planned course of therapy with you at
the initial consultation. The exact number of
sessions will depend on
your response to hyperbaric oxygen tests and measurements of
microcirculation. You and your referring healthcare provider will
continuously be informed on your progress.
Sessions
may be provided twice a day up to seven days a week. For out
of
town clients we have arranged good rates for accommodation in at nearby
hotels.
BaroMedical is using the latest equipment to asses your
progress. Microcirculation is monitored with Laser Doppler
and
Transcutaneous Tissue Oxygen Monitor.
How
much does it cost and will my health insurance plan cover it?
BaroMedical's feeschedule is listed
here.
Although the Medical Service Plan of British Columbia is currently
acknowledging the benefits and use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a
limited set of conditions no direct coverage is presently provided
outside Vancouver General Hospitals hyperbaric unit. Some
private insurance companies offering extended health care packages will
provide coverage for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Are
there any side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
There are very few possible side effects involved with hyperbaric
oxygen therapy. Occasionally we see a bit of
irritation of
the middle ear. It can show redness and swelling after a
session
and be the cause of a slight hissing or ringing sound in the hours
after a session. There are also certain risks involved with hyperbaric
oxygen therapy. Upon acceptance for hyperbaric therapy you will be well
informed of those risks and given material and orientation of our
facility. Our establishment and staff is highly trained and your safety
and comfort is our main responsibility.
