We welcome the opportunity to consult with physicians about the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. If you have a patient who needs hyperbaric services or want more information, contact us.
Click the Patient Referral Form (above) or you can download and print it here.
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How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) helps the body.
There are 6 primary effects of increased Oxygen solubility (HBOT) in the body:
1). Vasoconstrictor – reduces edema and inflammation.
2). Promotes neovascularization – produces collagen and new capillaries,
3). Promotes the power of leukocytes (a type of white blood cells) to kill harmful organisms in the body,
4). Kills anaerobic bacteria, bacteria that do not live or grow when oxygen is present. In humans, these bacteria are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.
5). Helps heal tissue that is Vaso-deficient (tendons, ligaments, meniscus in the joints, spinal discs, bones, and even brain tissues) and poorly perfused tissue (Example: slow-healing wounds like wounds resulting from diabetes),
6). Helps regrow damaged nervous system cells – Such as neuropathy.
Contraindications
As with most medical treatments, absolute and relative contraindications exist with the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
| Absolute Contraindications | Reason Contraindicated | Necessary Conditions Prior to HBOT |
| Untreated pneumothorax | Gas emboli Tension pneumothorax Pneumomediastinum | Thoracostomy |
| Bleomycin | Interstitial pneumonitis | No treatment for extended time from use of medication |
| Cisplatin | Impaired wound healing | No treatment for extended time from use of medication |
| Disulfiram | Blocks superoxide dismutase, which is protective against oxygen toxicity | Discontinue medication |
| Doxorubicin | Cardiotoxicity | Discontinue medication |
| Sulfamylon | Impaired wound healing | Discontinue and remove medication |
Table 3. Relative Contraindications to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (Open Table in a new window)
| Relative Contraindications | Reason Contraindicated | Necessary Conditions Prior to HBOT |
| Asthma | Air trapping upon ascent leading to pneumothorax | Must be well controlled with medications |
| Claustrophobia | Anxiety | Treatment with benzodiazepines |
| Congenital spherocytosis | Severe hemolysis | None; HBOT for emergencies only |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | Loss of hypoxic drive to breathe | Observation in chamber |
| Eustachian tube dysfunction | Barotrauma to tympanic membrane | Training, PE tubes |
| High fever | Higher risk of seizures | Provide antipyretic |
| Pacemakers or epidural pain pump | Malfunction or deformation of device under pressure | Ensure company has pressure-tested device and learn to what depth |
| Pregnancy | Unknown effect on fetus (Previous studies from Russia suggest HBOT is safe.) | None, but HBOT may be used in emergencies |
| Seizures | May have lower seizure threshold | Should be stable on medications; may be treated with benzodiazepines |
| Upper respiratory infection (URI) | Barotrauma | Resolution of symptoms or decongestants |