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4225 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807 USA
800-732-4747

Q. What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

A. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) is defined as a treatment mode in which the patient is entirely enclosed in a pressure chamber breathing oxygen at a pressure greater than one atmosphere. Breathing 100 percent oxygen at one atmosphere or applying oxygen outside a pressurized chamber are not considered hyperbaric oxygenation.

Q. What is a monoplace hyperbaric chamber?

A. A monoplace chamber is one in which only one patient is placed, and pressurized oxygen is introduced into the entire chamber. Access to the patient is made from the outside via ports and pass-throughs.

Q. How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy work?

A. Significant physiological mechanisms, which are activated as a result of hyperbaric oxygenation, explain the many therapeutic results of HBO:

1. Hyperoxygenation:

HBO physically dissolves extra oxygen into the blood plasma. The breathing of pure oxygen at three times normal pressure (3 A.T.A.) delivers 15 times as much physically dissolved oxygen to tissues as breathing room air. This promotes formation of new capillaries into wound areas, and sufficient oxygen tensions to meet the needs of ischemic tissues. Hyperoxygenation effects are useful in the treatment of anemias, ischemias and some poisonings.

2. Mechanical effect of increased pressure:

Any free gas trapped in the body will decrease in volume as the pressure on it increases. With a threefold increase in pressure, a bubble trapped in the body is reduced by two-thirds. This reduction in gas volume has been successfully applied to air embolism and decompression sickness.

3. Mass action of gases (gas wash out):

The flooding of the body with any one gas tends to "wash out" all others. This action occurs more rapidly under pressure than under ordinary conditions, and makes HBO an indicated treatment for carbon monoxide intoxication and acute cyanide poisoning.

4. Vasoconstriction:

High pressure oxygen causes constriction of the blood vessels (without creating hypoxia) which decreases edema in injured tissues and secondarily decreases intracranial pressure. This effect is useful in burns, crush injuries and interstitial bleeding. It may also be effective in acute brain and spinal cord injuries.

5. Bacteriostasis:

HBO inhibits the growth of a number of anaerobic as well as aerobic organisms. This effect also complements the improved action of host disease-fighting factors. It is useful in conditions where resistance factors are compromised such as dysvascular conditions and disorders involving immunosuppression.*

* Medical references available on request.

Return to Main Page, Wound Care Institute Newsletter, Fall 1996