Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Description

Exposes the patient (or an extremity) to a:

High breathable oxygen environment High air pressure

Saturates blood with oxygen

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Used For
Wound healing Soft tissue healing*

Sprains Strains Contusions Inflammation Delayed onset muscle soreness

Following cerebral strokes Treatment of the Bends

* Efficacy as not been substantiated

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Theory

High air pressure decreases the size of gas bubbles in the blood
2 to 3 times that of normal air pressure

High oxygen (100%) intake saturates the blood plasma with oxygen
Net increase in oxygen delivered to healing tissues
Decreases hypoxia Increases phagocytic and fibroblastic activity

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Biophysical Effects
Blood Flow Increased oxygen levels cause vasoconstriction Net increase in oxygen delivered to the tissues Maybe especially beneficial to avascular structures:
Achilles tendon Rotator cuff
2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Biophysical Effects
Wound Healing Improved by:
Oxygen accelerating phagocytosis Decreasing hypoxia Antimicrobial effect Increased ATP levels

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Biophysical Effects
Tissue Regeneration Improved wound healing assists tissue regeneration Increased rate of fibroblast proliferation Also used for:
Fracture healing Reducing delayed onset muscle soreness Lacking clinical evidence
2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Precautions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should only be administered by trained personnel Too great of pressure may rupture the tympanic membrane

Increased risk with an inner ear infection Decongestants may help prevent this

Can increase the output of bodily gasses

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Contraindications
Pregnancy Inner ear infection Tympanic membrane rupture Upper respiratory infection Sinus conditions Lung disease Asthma Seizure disorders Optic neuritis Pneumothorax Claustrophobia

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Instrumentation
Chamber May hold one or more people Oxygen Administration Treatments administered at 95 to 100% O2 Oxygen delivered via an air mask Pressure Adjusts the chamber temperature from 1 to 3 atmospheres
2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Instrumentation
Topical Administration Wounds:
Patch is applied over the area

Extremity
Appliance is placed over the extremity

100% oxygen is used to inflate the device In some cases the patient will breath 95 to 100% oxygen

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Treatment Duration

Using 100% oxygen and 2.5 atmospheres:

90 to 100 minutes Or 3 30-minute session The patient is exposed to normal air and air pressures between sessions

2005 FA Davis, Inc.

Maintenance
After Each Use: Clean the interior of the chamber Clean or replace the oxygen mask As Indicated: A qualified technician should:
Calibrate the pressure gauge Inspect and repair the unit

2005 FA Davis, Inc.