Southwest Virginia's leaders in hyperbaric oxygen therapy
The Advanced Wound Center at LewisGale Regional Health System was among the first in southwest Virginia to offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), one of the most advanced treatment options available for healing wounds.
This treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a sealed hyperbaric chamber that has been pressurized to help push oxygen into the blood plasma. HBOT stimulates the growth of blood vessels in damaged tissues and is effective in fighting some types of infection.
For more information about our hyperbaric oxygen therapy, please call Consult-A-Nurse® at (877) 242-2362.
Conditions we treat with our hyperbaric chamber
HBOT uses the body's natural healing processes to help treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Certain wounds that are healing slowly or not at all in a person with diabetes
- Tissue damaged from radiation therapy
- A skin graft with inadequate blood supply
- Certain types of infections of the bone and/or skin
- People with carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness
What to expect from HBOT treatment
Our Advanced Wound Center staff will take the time to provide thorough instructions and answer all of your questions before your first treatment. Be sure to inform the staff about any medications you are taking. We encourage family members or other caregivers to participate in the patient's initial orientation session.
Unless you have another medical condition requiring an inpatient hospital stay, HBOT is provided on an outpatient basis. Treatment typically lasts about two hours. The number of treatments you receive will depend on your diagnosis and care plan.
An evaluation must be conducted by one of our wound care specialists before HBOT is scheduled. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, it may be necessary to postpone your treatment.
Upon your arrival for treatment, a comfortable cotton garment will be provided for you to wear during treatment, and you will be asked to remove jewelry, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and prostheses.
Side effects of HBOT
Most patients experience no pain or discomfort during or after HBOT. You may feel fullness in your ears similar to what you experience during an airplane flight. Your doctor will discuss the possible side effects of HBOT with you before you receive treatment.
