What is Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy?
HBO is a medical treatment that increases the amount of oxygen in the patient’s blood, allowing oxygen to pass more easily through the plasma into the wounds to heal them. HBO chambers surround patients with 100% oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Your therapy will be supervised by a specially-trained physician and monitored by a technician each day.
Who requires extra oxygen?
Usually, there is no benefit to increasing the level of oxygen in the body for healthy individuals.
How do I find out if HBO is for me?
If you have a wound that hasn’t healed in four weeks, consult the Cayuga Center for Wound Healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be an appropriate part of the treatment plan. A physician at the center will evaluate your wound and determine the best course of treatment.
Can someone stay with me during therapy?
A waiting room is provided for their comfort. A trained technician is always in the room during treatment and can communicate with you at any time.
How long do HBO treatments last?
On average, treatments last about two hours. This includes the time to pressurize and depressurize the chamber plus 90 minutes at the prescribed treatment depth.
How many HBO treatments will I need?
The number of HBO treatments is not pre-set because each person responds differently to the therapy. These 2 hour treatments are provided on a daily basis from Monday through Friday. The staff will work with you to arrange a convenient schedule.
Is HBO therapy covered by my insurance?
Medicare has approved coverage for HBO therapy for many types of chronic nonhealing wounds. Most private insurance companies follow Medicare’s guidelines, as well. We will review your insurance plan with you before your therapy starts to make sure you know what your costs will be.
Is HBO therapy painful?
No, the only sensation you will experience is during the pressurization phase of the treatment. The slowly increasing pressure will push on your eardrums. This is the same feeling you would experience when landing in an airplane or diving to the bottom of a swimming pool. The hyperbaric staff will instruct you about different methods of relieving this ear pressure.
Is HBO therapy dangerous?
No, the treatment is very safe. Your Cayuga Center for Wound Healing has very strict procedures that assure your safety and make your treatment comfortable. Before your first treatment, you and your family will be given a thorough orientation.
What can I do during HBO therapy?
Each chamber is equipped with its own television so that you can watch TV during your treatment. You may not bring anything in the chamber with you. Many patients simply use the time to catch up on some well-deserved rest.
Are there any bathroom facilities in the chamber?
No, however it is possible to take a bedpan or urinal in with you during your treatment. The staff can finish the treatment early, if required.
What if I feel claustrophobic?
Interestingly enough, most hyperbaric patients do not suffer from claustrophobia. This could be due to either the large size of the chamber or the fact that it has a clear acrylic shell. From inside the chamber, it is possible to see out in all directions. If you still feel anxious about your treatment, the hyperbaric physician can prescribe medication that will relax you and make your treatment less stressful.
How can I communicate with the technician?
The chamber is equipped with two way communication. You can talk to the outside technician at any time. The technician can talk to you through the chamber microphone.
