Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves delivering high doses of oxygen to the body.  It is done by breathing 100% oxygen through special head gear while inside a pressurized chamber.  This chamber holds up to 10 patients at a time and Lourdes is home to the only multi-place chamber in this region.

The pressure in the chamber causes the oxygen you breathe to be dissolved in your blood.  This extra oxygen is used by the body in many ways.  It helps to reduce swelling, control infection and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels allowing for conditions such as non-healing wounds to heal when they otherwise would not.

HBOT is called an “adjunctive therapy” because it is to be used along with other forms of treatment your physician has prescribed. Adding HBOT is proven to significantly increase healing over standard care alone.

What conditions are typically treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Common medical conditions treated with HBOT include chronic non-healing diabetic foot wounds, compromised skin grafts, chronic bone infection and bone/tissue injury resulting from radiation therapy.

What is a typical treatment plan?

Hyperbaric treatments are 2 hours long and are performed on a daily basis for 6 days per week.  The necessary number of treatments is decided on an individual basis, but typically 4 to 7 weeks of treatments are required for the desired healing to occur.

What can I expect during a treatment?

Before each treatment, you will change into a cotton uniform provided by the staff.  Your vital signs will be measured and you will be evaluated by our on-site physician.  You will then enter the chamber and sit down.  A trained hyperbaric technician will assist you and will remain in the chamber throughout the session. 
 
As the treatment begins and the chamber pressurizes, you may notice a “popping” in your ears as your body adjusts to the changes.  The chamber will also get a little warmer, but never to the point of being uncomfortable.  When the treatment pressure is reached, you will be asked to put your head gear on.  You can then sit back and relax, read, nap or watch a movie on the widescreen TV.
 
As the end of the treatment, the pressure in the chamber decreases and the air becomes cooler.  When the session has concluded, you will be assisted out of the chamber and you will change back into your regular clothes.  Your uniform and head gear will be stored for your next treatment.

How will I feel after a treatment?

You will probably find that you feel invigorated or have increased energy after a treatment.  You are free to go about your daily routine as normal.

What can I bring to the chamber?

You may bring a water bottle and certain reading materials.  Many items are not allowed.  As a general rule, you should not take anything into the chamber unless you have specifically been told it is safe to do so.

Can I do anything to improve the quality of my treatment?

Yes.  There are several things you can do to improve your success:

• Always attend appointments.  Regular, consistent attendance will help you the most.
• If you smoke, consider stopping or at least cutting down.  Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to your healing tissues.  All of the benefits of HBOT will be increased if you quit.
• Try to get plenty of rest and eat a balanced diet.  These elements are key to the healing process.

Does insurance cover the cost of HBOT treatments?

Most insurance companies cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including Medicare and Medicaid.  We will assist in obtaining verification of coverage from your insurance company prior to starting treatments.

How do I get started?

Once we’ve received a referral from your physician, a Patient Care Coordinator will contact you to discuss your particular treatment plan.  This person will be able to answer any questions you may have and get you set up to start treatment. 

Lourdes Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy program is a joint project of Lourdes Hospital and Mobile Hyperbaric Centers, PLLC.