Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), the use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure, delivers a greater than normal amount of oxygen to the body's tissues.
Your blood carries this oxygen throughout your body, stimulating the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which strengthens the body’s natural wound-healing mechanisms and promotes healing.
Our wound care team has experienced orthopaedic, vascular, podiatric, and plastic surgeons who can assess and treat an array of nonhealing wounds.
A session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy takes about two hours, and up to 40 sessions can be prescribed. Patients lie on a specialized bed that goes inside a spacious, acrylic glass-enclosed chamber.
Once inside, the pressure in the chamber is slowly increased. The effect is similar to a diver going down into the water. At the end of the session, the chamber is depressurized slowly, like when a diver returns to the surface.
For those concerned about claustrophobic feelings, the clear domed shape of the chamber helps ease the sense of closeness. You can watch TV, movies or even listen to music while you receive your therapy.
HBO therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions including but not limited to:
Where You Can Find HBO Therapy
The following UPMC Wound Healing Services locations offer HBO therapy:
