How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers oxygen to the body using a pressurized chamber. This non-invasive therapy provides much more oxygen for accelerated healing than is available under normal circumstances.

Oxygen is so vital to life that brain cells begin to die within 1 minute of oxygen loss. The rest of the body’s tissues need oxygen as well. Oxygen is a key regulator of healing, and this benefit extends to promoting healing for chronic wounds.

Here at Third Coast Vascular, our board-certified wound care specialist Lori Brooks, MD, has extensive experience managing chronic wounds caused by conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. As part of providing comprehensive wound care, Dr. Brooks uses advanced treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Our Milwaukee, Wisconsin location offers HBOT to support wound healing and reduce the risk of chronic wound complications.

Benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Air normally consists of a mixture of gas, with oxygen making up around 21% of that mixture. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers 100% pure, medical-grade oxygen in a special pressure container built specially for this purpose.

Conditions that damage blood vessels are linked to slow-healing and non-healing wounds. Low blood supply that occurs in conditions such as diabetes, and peripheral artery disease deprives tissues of adequate oxygenated blood. This can result in chronic open wounds that are vulnerable to infection and other serious complications.

Boosting tissue oxygen supports the body in healing chronic wounds and renewing tissue so that it doesn’t die.

HBOT benefits wound healing by:

Boosting blood flow
Reducing inflammation
Weakening bacteria
Increasing antioxidant capabilities
Stimulating new blood vessel growth

When administered by a skilled health professional, HBOT is a powerful tool in managing chronic wounds.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

In addition to improving wound healing, HBOT is shown to improve vascular function. Researchers found that in patients with diabetes, HBOT enhances blood vessel’s response so that they respond better in terms of widening and shrinking (vasodilation and vasoconstriction).

How hyperbaric oxygen therapy works

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is painless and straightforward. Patients breathe in 100% pure oxygen for 60 to 90 minutes while in a clear hyperbaric chamber. The chamber delivers 20 to 30 times more oxygen than normal breathing. The oxygen saturates the blood, and tissues have access to the elevated oxygen for healing.

HBOT maximizes wound healing, supporting the body in repairing injured tissue, and preserving damaged tissue.

What does HBOT feel like?

The pressure in the chamber may have an effect on ear pressure, similar to driving over a mountain or flying in an airplane. It goes away as the eardrums adjust to the pressure within the chamber.

There may also be temperature variations in the chamber. At the start of treatment, the chamber may feel warmer. After the session, the chamber cools. Treatment is well-tolerated. Side effects, such as lightheadedness, are generally mild and short-lived when they occur.

Expert wound care

Third Coast Vascular’s advanced treatment options support the body in healing damaged tissues, lowering the likelihood of chronic wounds advancing to life-threatening complications. Contact us to schedule a visit for any wound care needs.