Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Medicine is the field of medical specialty that employs hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat specific conditions and disease processes. Initially utilized to treat decompression sickness ("the bends") in divers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is now applied for a number of medical problems, both chronic and acute. It is the controlled delivery of 100% oxygen at 2-3 times atmospheric pressure inside a chamber vessel. In this way, hyperbaric oxygen induces physiological and cellular events in your body to promote the healing mechanism.
At MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, where we treat the most difficult wounds that are resistant to healing, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be employed when indicated.
Each hyperbaric chamber has a TV/DVD or CD player for patients to watch movies or listen to music during their treatment. The completely transparent chambers allow patients to see and to be seen. With a 40.5 inch diameter for patient comfort, they are some of the largest mono-place (Single-Person) chambers available.
Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment:
- Non-healing diabetic wounds
- Delayed radiation injury of bone and soft tissue
- Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
- Compromised skin flaps and grafts
- Crush injuries, compartment syndromes
- Central retinal artery occlusion
- Gas gangrene
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
- Arterial gas embolism
- Decompression sickness
- Carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning
- Thermal burns
- Intracranial abscess
- Exceptional blood loss anemia
Contact Information:
For more information about MedStar Georgetown University Hospitals Center for Hyperbaric Services, please call 202-444-4268.
