Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Center
1. What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a specialized treatment that involves inhaling high concentrations of oxygen for short durations. This therapy requires placing the patient in a completely sealed pressure chamber, where the pressure is elevated, and the patient breathes 100% pure oxygen. The approach serves two primary purposes: first, it eliminates toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, from the body to treat gas poisoning; second, it significantly increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the body’s microcirculation, thereby improving tissue hypoxia and enhancing cell survival. This treatment method is referred to as hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
2. Introduction to the Pressure Chamber
The hyperbaric oxygen pressure chamber at our hospital is designed for individual use, accommodating one patient at a time. The oxygen within the chamber is pressurized to the necessary treatment depth, allowing patients to inhale pure oxygen directly without the need for a mask.
3. Pressure and Duration of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Typically, the pressure used during hyperbaric oxygen therapy ranges from 2 to 3 atmospheres, with each treatment session lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. The number of treatments required varies depending on the specific condition being treated. A qualified hyperbaric oxygen physician will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient and develop a personalized treatment plan.
4. Mechanism of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The primary mechanism involves increasing blood oxygen concentration to enhance the oxygen content in tissues. This process not only saturates the oxygen levels in red blood cells but also elevates the amount of oxygen dissolved in plasma through physical phenomena. The key therapeutic mechanisms are as follows:
- Increases blood oxygen levels, thereby enhancing tissue oxygenation.
- Blood vessel constriction may occur, resulting in a decrease in tissue edema.
- Promotes the healing of wounds.
- Accelerates the removal of carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and other toxic substances.
- Increases the bactericidal capacity of neutrophils.
- Protects injured tissues from additional damage.
- Enhances control over infections.
5. Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Decompression Sickness
- Air Embolism
- Burns and Scalds
- Gas Gangrene
- Refractory Osteomyelitis
- Brain Abscess
- Acute Massive Hemorrhage
- Critical Skin or Flap Grafts
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Challenging-to-Heal Wounds
- Soft Tissue Necrosis Induced by Radiation Therapy
- Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and chronic cyanide poisoning pose significant health hazards.
- Sepsis caused by mixed bacterial infections
- Tissue edema, vascular injury, and limb swelling can result from crush injuries. Additional complications may include hypoxic brain lesions, cerebral edema, limb compartment syndrome, and sudden hearing loss.