For certain chronic or non-healing wounds, Northern Light Health offers an advanced therapy option: hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). This specialized approach helps accelerate the wound healing process for injuries and conditions that haven't responded to other treatments.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
HBOT uses increased atmospheric pressure to allow your lungs to take in higher levels of pure oxygen. This oxygen-rich environment promotes new blood vessel growth and helps fight infection in wounded areas affected by poor circulation like:
- Diabetic foot ulcers extending to the bone
- Radiation injuries and tissue damage
- Compromised surgical flaps/grafts
- Stubborn bone infections (osteomyelitis)
- Other treatment-resistant wounds
The hyperbaric experience
During HBOT, you simply relax in a comfortable, transparent chamber about the size of a hospital bed. As the air pressure increases, your body takes in concentrated oxygen that penetrates down to the wound site. Treatments last 1.5-2 hours and are typically scheduled daily, 5 days per week for 6-12 weeks.
Northern Light's Mercy Hospital features two state-of-the-art HBOT chambers staffed by certified hyperbaric nurses and medical providers. Patients can watch TV, listen to music, or simply rest during their hyperbaric oxygen therapy session.
The experts in hyperbaric care
While HBOT is usually covered by insurance for qualifying conditions, our team verifies eligibility before beginning treatment. We then coordinate your hyperbaric therapy as part of an overall care plan - integrating this advanced solution with other leading-edge wound care, podiatric, vascular, and nutritional services from Northern Light Health.
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