What Patients Can Expect
Hyperbaric
oxygen is intermittent, high-dose
oxygen inhalation therapy. The body's healing
process and its defenses against infection are
enhanced by increasing the amount of oxygen
that reaches tissues. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
helps the healing process, combats infection
and is given in conjunction with other treatments
such as antibiotics and surgery.
Why So Many Treatments?
The effects of oxygen
on blood vessel growth and tissue healing are
gradual. Studies of blood vessel growth in cancer
patients have shown that radiation-treated tissue
may have as little as 30 percent of the blood
vessels seen in unaffected tissue. By using hyperbaric
oxygen on a daily basis, researchers have found
that new, microscopic blood vessels start to
grow after six to eight sessions.
The most growth occurs between sessions
18 to 23, when the number of blood vessels reaches
about 80 percent of normal non-radiated tissue.
For many patients, it's as if they never had
radiation. For diabetic patients, hyperbaric
oxygen therapy often reduces the need for lower
extremity amputation.
Individualized Care
Treatment plans vary according
to individual diagnosis. Each hyperbaric oxygen
therapy session is typically two hours long.
The number of treatments needed to achieve full
benefit is based on guidelines determined by
research and endorsed by the Undersea and Hyperbaric
Medical Society.
The success of each day of therapy depends on
the previous day's treatment, with the
first two weeks being the most critical in stimulating
the body's healing mechanisms. Most treatment
plans involve at least 20 sessions. Each patient's
response to the treatment
is unique and is evaluated
individually. Penn's hyperbaric medicine
staff provides attentive care and explains all
possible side-effects.
Do Your Part
As with most medical treatment, good nutrition,
wound care and general health maintenance help
achieve complete healing. Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension counteract the effect of hyperbaric
oxygen therapy, slowing the development of new
blood vessels. Smoking also diminishes the effectiveness
of hyperbaric oxygen therapy by decreasing the
amount of oxygen reaching body tissue.
Safety is Priority #1
At Penn, safety is a top priority. A special
safety lock permits staff and patients to move
in and out of the chamber without affecting the
others in the chamber. If a patient is late
or there are issues with a patient's treatment,
it does not impact the others in the chamber.
Because of the high oxygen environment, patients
are not allowed to bring the following items
inside the chambers:
- Electronics
- Cosmetics (hair spray, make-up, perfume)
- Petroleum-based products
- Synthetic materials (nylon, rayon, wool)
- Glass
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Lighters or matches
- Watches
- Pens
- Newspapers
- Batteries
Receiving every scheduled hyperbaric oxygen
therapy session is important, however, a patient's
current health may not allow for optimal treatment. A
patient with any of the following conditions
should speak with a hyperbaric medicine staff
person before receiving treatment.
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