Hyperbaric medicine is one of
the fastest growing fields in medical technology. For several decades
its use in treating deep sea divers for decompression sickness and as
the standard treatment protocol of persons exposed to carbon monoxide
has become commonplace. Over the past ten years, however, it has become
more widely recognized for its capabilities of treating non-healing
wounds. More and more doctors are educating themselves to the profound
benefits HBO therapy offers and accepting its use as an adjunctive
treatment modality for patients suffering from, among a list of other
indications, problem wounds, compromised skin grafts, osteoradionucrosis
resulting from radiation treatments, brown recluse spider bites, and gas
gangrenous infections. Furthermore, data compiled from ongoing research
suggests that hyperbaric medicine has positive effects in treating
cerebral palsy, CVA's (strokes), AIDS, acute MI's (heart attack)
Meniere's Disease, migraines, Bell's palsy, and multiple sclerosis
among a host of others.
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A common problem suffered by
many diabetic patients is problem wounds, usually distally on feet and
toes, due to the nature of the disease and the body's inability to
circulate oxygenated blood efficiently. Also, diabetic patients are
predisposed to possible complications of surgical incisions for the same
reason. The diabetic population has the highest rate of amputations
resulting from wounds that won't heal. Physicians who have referred
patients for hyperbaric treatment after other conventional methods have
failed report a high success rate in amputation prevention. The ADA is
an active endorser of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating diabetic
ulcers.
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As HBO therapy gains in popularity,
the fact remains that far too many physicians are not up to date on the
its positive benefits or simply discount HBO's healing potential. The
surgical fees, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and the psychological trauma
associated with amputations cost patients and Medicare millions of
dollars every year. Patients who are facing amputation as the only
possible option and who have not been referred to an HBO clinic for
evaluation are strongly urged to ask their physician if hyperbaric
medicine could be worth looking into, and it never hurts to get a second
opinion. HBO therapy for non-healing diabetic ulcers are covered by
Medicare and some private health insurance companies.
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Click
"View Presentation" below to
view the presentation which briefly outlines the history of hyperbaric
medicine, gives some insight to types of chambers and what the therapy
entails, lists the FDA approved indications, and describes conditions
that would make HBO contraindicated. Also included are 2 case studies
and photos.
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