Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO₂T) is a medical procedure for specifically indicated conditions in which 100% oxygen is delivered in a presurized chamber.

Oxygen in this high concentration is considered a drug and as such as a specific dose and side effects.

Although HBO₂ Therapy has long been known to be of value in the resolution of certain critical care situations such as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, gas embolism, and diving injuries, it is also considered an important adjunctive therapy for a growing number of chronic conditions.

Mechanisms of Action

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy performed by the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is conducted only within and according to the strict guidelines established by the Hyperbaric Oxygen Committee (HOC) of the Undersea Medical Society (UMS). They include:

1. Osteoradionecrosis and Soft Tissue Radiation Necrosis
2. Osteomyelitis, Refractory
3. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Acute
4. Decompression Sickness
5. Gas Gangrene
6. Gas Embolism, Acute
7. Crush Injuries with Acute Traumatic Ischemia
8. Compromised Skin Grafts or Flaps and Healing in Selected Problem Wounds
9. Soft Tissue Infections with Tissue Necrosis

HBO₂T at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital enlists the services of a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals, including physicians with specialized training in HBO₂T, wound therapy nurse specialists, orthopedic, plastic, and vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists. Rehabilitation medicine, dietary, and social services departments. Pastoral care is also available if need. HBO₂T may be given on an outpatient or inpatient basis depending on the patient needs.

This comprehensive team approach is designed to address all factors involved in problematic wounds from initial evaluation to closure of the wound. Services provided include:

• Comprehensive wound assessment by certified registered nurses and physicians specializing in wound management.

• Individualized plan of care and patient education to promote compliance and prevent wound recurrence.

• Re-evaluations on a continuous basis. Recommendation for foot wear and pressure  relief devices.

• Tissue Oxygen Tension Measurements

• Rehabilitation services which include whirlpool and physical therapy.

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

There are more than 300 hyperbaric chambers in use in the United States today. Shady Grove Adventist Hospital HBO is a hospital based unit in operation since 1986. We average more than 140 treatments each month. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday on an as needed basis for critical cases. We have 24 hour for emergency treatments or consultation on call service HBO₂T is well tolerated by patients of all ages in our clear acrylic state of the art monoplace chambers. The patient reclines comfortably for approximately two hours during treatments. The chamber allows full patient visualization and two way communication. They may watch television or video movies. Generally, most patients feel that the chambers offer them some quiet time during their busy schedules. Time in the chamber can be spent watching TV or videos on relaxing.

A patient consultation may be obtained by contacting us at (240) 826-6242. Physicians and patients or patients families are encouraged to call the unit if they have any questions or concerns.

Additional HBO₂T web links:

• www.hbot.com

• www.nlm.nih.gov

• www.uhms.org

• www.diversalertnetwork.org