Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that promotes wound healing by increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to damaged tissue.
UToledo Health, in partnership with RestorixHealth, operates Toledo’s only multiplace hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, with room for up to 10 patients at a time.
To schedule an appointment with our wound care team, call 419.383.3812.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works
During treatment, patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This combination of pure oxygen and increased atmospheric pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve in the blood, improving oxygen delivery to areas affected by injury or poor circulation.
The increased availability of oxygen can help support the body’s natural healing processes, reduce swelling, improve the body’s ability to fight certain infections, and promote the development of new blood vessels and healthy tissue.
When Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is Used
Hyperbaric oxygen can help treat non-healing wounds, serious infections and a variety of other conditions that may benefit from increased oxygen reaching injured tissue.
Conditions where hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered include:
- Selected Problem Wounds: Chronic diabetic foot ulcers that fail standard wound care.
- Compromised Grafts and Flaps: Skin grafts or surgical flaps at risk of dying due to poor blood flow.
- Refractory Osteomyelitis: Bone infections that do not respond to standard treatments.
- Delayed Radiation Injury: Soft tissue and bone necrosis caused by radiation therapy.
- Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Sudden unexplained hearing loss.
- Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: Sudden blockage of blood flow to the retina.
- Intracranial Abscess: Pockets of infection within the skull.
What to Expect
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, typically involves 20 to 60 sessions for treatment of chronic wounds. Each session lasts about two hours.
Our team of specialists will work with you and your referring physician to create a treatment plan that is best for you.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is painless, though some patients experience pressure and fullness in their ears, slight increases in body temperature and temporary changes in eyesight.
A technician will be in the chamber for the entire session to assist with any needs.
Patient Safety and Comfort
Prior to treatment, patients will change into hospital-provided clothing.
Patients are provided pillows and blankets and are given multiple breaks. You may choose to read, watch a movie, talk with other patients or simply relax. There is space within the hyperbaric chamber for patients to stand and move about.
To help ensure the safety of patients and staff, certain items are not permitted in the hyperbaric chamber, including:
- Electronic devices, including cellphones
- Hearing aids
- Jewelry
- Wigs or hair pieces
- Food, gum or candy
- Lighters, matches, smoking or tobacco products
- Makeup
- Perfume or aftershave
- Hairspray, nail polish or any other alcohol-based products
To learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy, refer a patient or schedule an appointment with our wound care team, call 419.383.3812.