What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT is a medical treatment in which the patient breathes pure oxygen under pressure. It is administered in a chamber and is the treatment for many medical and surgical conditions. It is usually part of an overall plan of care which may involve surgery, antibiotics or other therapy, but for certain conditions it may be the main treatment.

How does HBOT work?

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, 100% oxygen is delivered in a closed chamber, and air pressure is increased to as much as 3 times normal. This causes a dramatic increase in oxygen taken in by the lungs which is then transferred to the blood.  The blood then transports the oxygen to all parts of the body. The oxygen-rich blood helps improve healing and controls infection in certain conditions.

How does HBOT help heal my diabetic foot ulcer?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven to assist with healing of advanced diabetic foot ulcers. 

What should I expect with HBOT for my ulcer?

• The number of treatments ranges from 20 to 40 times, are scheduled daily, and may change based on how your wound is healing
• You will continue regular wound follow up with your health care professional
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one part of diabetic ulcer healing. You may also require surgery, removal of infected or dead tissue from the wound, antibiotics, or other therapies
• You will continue the recommendations of your health care professional such as offloading the affected area, improving nutrition, controlling your blood sugars, and using specialized dressings to keep the wound protected and clean.