HBOT heals Sores, Injuries and Non-healing Wounds
Our clinic has healed hundreds of patients with problem or non-healing wounds that have been referred by our physician partners.
Are you a Patient? View Patient version of this page
Our clinic has healed hundreds of patients with problem or non-healing wounds that have been referred by our physician partners.
Are you a Patient? View Patient version of this page
How Hyperbarics Helps
Reduces pain and swelling
Regrows healthy tissue, skin and bones
Kills bacteria, infections and supercharges antibiotics, making them more effective
Heals ulcers, wounds and injuries faster
Increases stem cell mobilization and reproduction
What the Research Says
Numerous studies have documented the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for healing diabetic wounds and delayed radiation injuries.
HBOT supports healing by increasing neovascularization by angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels from endothelial cells) and vasculogenesis (recruitment and differentiation of the wound bed of circulating stem and progenitor cells). HBOT is also bacterioststic and bactericidal, improves post-ischemic tissue survival, and improves chronic osteonecrosis.
HBOT has also been shown to help heal a wide range of additional injuries that are also characterized by low oxygen and low blood flow, such as compromised flaps and grafts, osteomyelitis and burns.
When oxygen tensions are elevated, the initial effects of increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) result in:
Improved neovascularization with Increased wound growth factor synthesis∘ SPCs mobilization from bone marrow Improved post-ischemic tissue survival - Neutrophil B-actin s-nitrosylation Lower monocyte chemokine synthesis Ischemic preconditioning changes HO-1, HSPs, HIF-1 Ischemic preconditioning changes HO-1, HSPs, HIF-1
We have worked with hundreds of physician-refered patients with non-healing wounds that are a result of diabetes or delayed radiation injury.
Research Studies
UNDERSEA AND HYPERBARIC MEDICAL SOCIETY
Delayed Radiation Injury (Soft Tissue and Bony Necrosis)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive therapy. It has been applied as adjuvant treatment in many medical conditions over the past 50 years.
UNDERSEA AND HYPERBARIC MEDICAL SOCIETY
Delayed Radiation Injury (Soft Tissue and Bony Necrosis)
Hyperbaric oxygen is among the most studied and frequently reported applications in the treatment of delayed radiation injuries. This application of hyperbaric oxygen to the treatment and prevention of delayed radiation injury will be the topic of this chapter. The management of delayed radiation injury, especially when bone necrosis is present, requires mult-disciplinary management. The nature of delayed radiation injury, the mechanisms whereby hyperbaric oxygen is effective, clinical results, the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on cancer growth and future areas for research will be discussed.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
Clinical Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Complex Wounds
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a role in modern medical practice. In most cases, it is safe and severe side effects are rare. There are many indications for HBO treatment.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
Clinical Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Complex Wounds
The results suggest that HBO has been shown to be an effective method for treating complex wounds. It significantly improved wound healing. However, HBO does not replace quality wound care. HBO should be used in addition to, but not as a replacement of aggressive wound treatment.
ENOCH HUANG | DOVE PRESS
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the management of chronic wounds: patient selection and perspectives.
The use of HBOT for chronic, problem wounds is best defined for DFUs, but there is a sound fundamental basis for its use for some other chronic wound types.
ENOCH HUANG | DOVE PRESS
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the management of chronic wounds: patient selection and perspectives.
The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society includes “select problem wounds” as an accepted indication for the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2), however, the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) has dominated any discussions of problem wounds because of the prevalence of DFUs in today’s patient population and the reimbursement available for their treatment. Other wound types (eg, calciphylaxis ulcers, sickle cell ulcers, and pyoderma gangrenosum) that have well-deserved reputations as problem wounds have been infrequently treated with HBOT. While there are sound fundamental reasons why additional oxygen may have benefits in the treatment of these wounds, the challenge is finding enough high quality evidence to support routine use of HBOT.
Patient Experiences
Bay Area Hyperbarics has healed hundreds of patients with stubborn and non-healing wounds over the last 20 years.
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David, 64
A wound on his leg, with a skin graft, would not heal. After HBOT, the wound closed.
David, a retired software project manager, had a 100% arterial occlusion for which he received an arterial stint. When a 2 1/2 inch diameter wound on his right leg with a graft wouldn’t heal, he came to HBOT. After receiving his prescribed HBOT sessions, the wound closed, and he was able to resume his typical activities.
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Amita, 22
Gangrene on her foot would not heal. HBOT prevented amputation.
Amita was an active hiker, but because of gangrene, lost all the toes on her right foot. Unfortunately, the surgical wound from the amputation would not heal, and her doctors were planning to amputate her foot. After a series of HBOT sessions, her wound healed completely. A year later when we checked in with Amita, the wound was still healed.
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John, 72
Had skin grafts that had trouble healing. HBOT helped the threatened grafts heal.
John had compartment syndrome and infections after having received multiple surgeries over 6 months. He also had a failed graft. John’s doctor sent him to HBOT to prepare him for a new graft, which was successful. After applying the new graft, John’s doctor sent him back to HBOT to help the new (threatened) graft heal. In the end, John’s grafts all healed.
Physicians: Refer a Patient
Refer a patient in three easy steps.
1
You Submit Your Patient’s Information
As a provider, your office fills out and faxes back the Patient Referral Form. Have questions? Call us!
2
We Get Authorizations
We ensure the patient understands the treatment and follows the prescribed protocol to get the patient on the road to recovery!
3
Patient Starts HBOT
Our medical staff meets with the patient to ensure that HBOT treatment is appropriate and contacts Medicare or private insurance to receive authorization.
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Still looking for answers?
We're here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help you.
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What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats medical conditions with 100% oxygen in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber. The patient lies or sits in the chamber. The oxygen then saturates the plasma in the blood, allowing oxygen to easily flow throughout the body and reach even areas that are injured or diseased, which typically receive less oxygen. The mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include stimulating and mobilizing stem cells, down-regulating inflammatory genes, up-regulating reproductive cells and stimulating DNA. HBOT also regrows tiny blood vessels, and stimulates the growth of new healthy cells in the brain, bones, skin, organs, and tissues. People seek hyperbaric oxygen therapy to heal physical damage in their bodies and to promoting health and anti-aging.
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What does HBOT feel like?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a painless, noninvasive therapy. Our patients often tell us they don't notice the pressure change, except for a bit in their ears. Specifically, some feel a bit of pressure in their ears, like when they take off in an airplane. It feels like their ears are 'popping'. After a treatment, some patients say they can think more clearly and that they have more energy. If there has been pain from swelling or impinged nerves, patients often comment on the pain relief, plus increased strength and range of motion after their treatments.
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Is HBOT safe?
Overall, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe. However, as with any medical therapy, there can be risks. Any risks should be reviewed with you prior to your treatment, at the time your provider goes over your health history with you, and during your intake at the clinic. All clinics are constructed with approval of the local fire marshal and building inspectors to ensure that they comply with all relevant safety codes. Bay Area Hyperbarics has an outstanding safety record for our 21 years serving our community.
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How do I prepare for HBOT?
We make preparing for a hyperbaric oxygen therapy easy. Before the first treatment, we take the time to answer all of your questions in detail. The patient’s healthcare provider reviews their history and condition. For example, depending on your condition, you may be asked to eat before your treatment. Preparing for HBOT is just as individualized as the therapy. In most cases, it’s as easy as changing into the clothing we provide you. Call us with any questions you have. We are more than happy to answer all of your questions, even if you are not a current patient.
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Will my insurance cover HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven to help with numerous medical conditions. Each insurance company decides what’s covered and what's not. That said, HBOT is covered by Medicare, Kaiser, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, United Health Care and many other insurances. Coverage is based on the diagnosis. We also take people with conditions that are not covered by their insurance, but whose problem can greatly improve with HBOT. Call us! We are more than happy to look at your personal situation and do the insurance work for you.
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