Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Our two new Hyperbaric Oxygen chambers represent the latest technology in wound treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds We are one of the few hospitals in the Mass General Brigham network to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), and one of only a few hospitals north of Boston who offer it.
How this therapy heals
Patients breathe 100% pure oxygen while inside the hyperbaric chamber. This results in more oxygen being infused into the bloodstream, which brings that oxygen to the areas of the body that are having trouble healing. A typical treatment last two to three hours. Treatments may be scheduled three to five times per week over the course of a month or more. Successful healing requires close coordination between the clinic and a patient’s primary care physician.
Beneficial for treating:
- Diabetic wounds that are slow to heal
- Tissue that has been damaged by radiation therapy
- Skin or bone infections or skin grafts
- Wounds that have shown no improvement over a month period
Not all patients are a good candidates for HBOT. In order to make use of the hyperbaric chambers, a patient has to be able to tolerate roughly three times normal atmospheric pressure. Patients who have lung or cardiac disease, or who have ear problems, might not be eligible.
Treatment at the Advanced Wound Center helped Gloucester resident Richard Kelley fight off a dangerous infection.