Hyperbaric Medicine
The Hyperbaric Medicine Center
Hyperbaric Medicine
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, alone and in combination with standard treatment protocols, contributes to optimal outcomes for patients.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or “HBO Therapy,” is a medical treatment during which patients breathe pure oxygen while sitting inside a pressurized chamber. Typically, the pressure in the chamber is 2-1/2 times normal atmospheric pressure.
How does HBO Therapy work?
When a patient receives 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment, it increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. The treatment helps new blood vessels grow and more oxygen is delivered to tissues and organs of the body. An individual treatment plan is prescribed for each patient by the hyperbaric physician.
What are the benefits of HBO Therapy?
Improved oxygenation of wounds or damaged tissue to promote the healing process. Hyperbaric oxygen activates white blood cells to fight infection and enhances the benefits of some antibiotics.
What conditions benefit from HBO Therapy?
HBO Therapy is an effective treatment for many conditions, including but not limited to:
- Certain types of non-healing wounds
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Post radiation treatment tissue injury
- Chronic osteomyelitis
- “The bends” (decompression sickness)
- Various investigational treatments
How will I feel during and after treatments?
Patients sit in a comfortable chair and breathe oxygen throughout the treatment. It is common to experience a temporary fullness or “popping” in the ears because of the pressure. This is the same as you would experience on an airplane and is easily relieved by methods such as yawning and swallowing. Patients often report positive effects, such as a decrease in pain or improved sleeping patterns.
How long does a treatment last?
A typical treatment lasts for 90 minutes. Patients come in for one treatment daily, five days per week, for several weeks. The exact number of treatments needed depends on each patient’s diagnosis and/or rate of healing.
Are HBO treatments safe?
Yes. Hyperbaric treatments are very safe. Certain precautions are taken, but patients are reminded of these prior to each treatment. For example, patients are instructed not to bring certain items into the chamber. The hyperbaric staff provides this instruction with each treatment.
A member of the Hyperbaric Center team always remains in the chamber with patients during treatments, and the hyperbaric physician is always present during treatments.
Will insurance cover HBO Therapy?
Many insurance companies will provide coverage for treatment. Call the Department of Hyperbaric Medicine and speak to a member of our Hyperbaric Center team.
Who determines if I am a candidate for HBO Therapy?
A specialist in hyperbaric medicine will evaluate your condition, determine if HBO Therapy would be appropriate, discuss alternative treatments with you, and explain risks and benefits. The hyperbaric physician will communicate with your primary physician throughout the treatment period.
Your healing success . . .
Once you have decided to undergo treatment at the Center, your healing success will be as dependent on you as it is on the Hyperbaric Center Team. Please make sure you attend all visits, follow the guidelines that are presented to you, and ask questions if you're unsure.
Phelps Hyperbaric Medicine Center
Owen J. O’Neill, MD
Medical Director
Phelps Memorial Hospital Center
701 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
For information, please call 914-366-3690.