LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) is used to treat a wide variety of illness that respond to the administration of 100% oxygen in a controlled, pressurized chamber. Patients breathe 100% oxygen under pressure allowing the oxygen to be dissolved into the plasma in amounts greater than can be achieved normally.

How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?

Hyperbaric oxygen is delivered to the patient in a pressurized chamber, which greatly increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood stream. The blood stream then delivers the oxygen to the parts of the body in need thus stimulating wound healing.

Once the patient's body has received enough hyperbaric oxygen therapy they may realize the following benefits:

• Increased tissue oxygenation
• Decreased edema or swelling
• Improved wound healing
• Increased number of blood vessels in wounded areas
• Enhanced infection control
• Preservation of compromised tissues
• Elimination of toxic substances and or reduction of damaging effects of toxic substances (i.e. carbon monoxide)

What is Hyperbaric Therapy being used for Today?
HBO₂ is approved for use in the following conditions:

• Air Embolism
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Compartment Syndrome
• Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis
• Crush Injuries with Acute Traumatic Ischemia
• Acute Cyanide Poisoning
• Decompression Sickness
• Gas Gangrene
• Acute Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoning
• Necrotizing Faciitis
• Preservation of Compromises Skin Flaps and Grafts
• Radiation Cystitis, Radiation Proctitis
• Osteo-Radiation Necrosis
• Selected, Anaerobic Infections & Refractory Problem Wounds
• Soft Tissue Radiation Injury
• Selected Non-healing Diabetic Wounds

What is the Chamber Like?

Patients sit in a large steel chamber; ours measures 25 feet in length and has an internal diameter of 6 feet. The chamber is so large that it can comfortably seat 12 people at a time allowing patients to sit upright or recline during the treatment. Communication is maintained visually through windows and video cameras. Intercoms and telephones allow for verbal communications between the outside tenders and the persons inside the chamber. Medical personnel always accompany patients during HBO₂ treatments.

Once patients are comfortably seated in the chamber, the actual treatment begins by circulating compressed air inside the chamber. When the pressurization begins, one's ears may begin to feel "full" much like they do when flying or traveling in the mountains. Patients are instructed how to relieve the pressure in their ears prior to beginning the treatment and again during the treatment. Patients will be required to clear their ears several times during the first 10-15 minutes of each treatment until the proper treatment pressure is reached. While the pressure is being increased, the patient may notice that the temperature in the chamber may become a little warm; however, this will pass as soon as the final pressure is attained.

As soon as the proper pressure is reached, the fullness in the ears will stop and the oxygen will be applied. Once the oxygen is applied, one can sleep, listen to music, watch a movie on closed circuit television, read, or just simply relax. In addition, the patient will receive a number of "air breaks" where the oxygen supply is exchanged for regular air during the treatment. When the treatment is over, the chamber will be decompressed. During decompression the temperature will cool off a little, and the patient's ears will make a popping or cracking sound as the ears clear automatically.

Will I Feel Different Under Pressure?

The simple answer is No. Our bodies are made almost entirely of water and water does not compress; therefore, we do not feel any difference under pressure with the exception of the fullness in our ears in the beginning of each treatment. In addition, we live under 1 atmosphere of pressure every day of our lives (unless of course you're an astronaut) and we only use 2.4 atmospheres of pressure during a hyperbaric treatment.

Ho Do I Clear My Ears?

There are several ways to clear your ears once the pressure in the chamber begins to be increased. The simplest way is to swallow a little water or swallow while holding your nose. Another way to clear or "pop" your ears is to take a deep breath, close your mouth, pinch your nose and then try to blow the air out through your pinched nose. This may sound a little complicated; however, with a little practice with the staff it is really easy. What if I am unable to clear my ears no matter what I try? In some cases people cannot clear their ears. When this happens, the patient may elect to have pressure equalization tubes placed in their ears. These are the same kind of tubes we are accustomed to hearing about in children who have chronic ear infections.

How Will I Receive the Oxygen?

We can deliver the oxygen to you in many different ways. We will usually use whatever method is most comfortable for you; however, sometimes we need to use one method over another to assure that the oxygen is properly administered. Usually we use a large clear plastic bubble, which fits comfortably over a patient's head, or we use an aviation-type facemask. For patients with special needs, such as tracheotomies or ventilator support, we have special adapters which attach to the particular appliance.

Are There Any Side Effects to HBO₂?

As with all medical treatment there are possible side effects, although HBO₂ has relatively few; in addition to the ears listed above, some of the more frequent include:

• Sinus blockage. HBO₂ is a completely painless procedure.
• When multiple treatments are given over a long period of time temporary blurred vision may occur.
• Some persons observe lightheadedness for the first five minutes or so following the treatment.
• This list is not a complete list and individuals may observe individual responses to treatment not listed here, although these represent the most prevalent side effects.
• In addition, there are a few relative contraindications for HBO₂. The hyperbaric physician prior to beginning treatment reviews these with each patient.

Who Would be Giving me my treatments?

All of our clinical staff is specially trained in the area of hyperbaric medicine and our team includes members with diverse backgrounds, which gives us a much deeper appreciation for each patient's needs. Our team is composed of physicians, nurses, a respiratory therapist, educators, a data entry specialist and others all dedicated to assuring that the patients receive optimal care from the very first minute they enter the program. Our center also maintains a board-certified hyperbaric physician on call 24 hours a day.

How Can I Get More Information About HBO₂?

Just pick up the phone and give us a call at 239-939-8345. Our hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You may also stop by and meet the staff of the Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment Services of Lee Memorial Health System, located at 3945 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.

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