26 S. Washington Street, Binghamton, NY 13903
Phone: 607-584-0011
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that
involves delivering high doses of oxygen to the body. It is
done by breathing 100% oxygen through special head gear while
inside a pressurized chamber. Unlike other centers where you
lie down in a small tube for treatment, this chamber has
comfortable seats where up to 10 patients at a time can be treated
while watching movies on our flat screen TV. Lourdes is home
to the only such chamber in this region.
The pressure in the chamber causes the
oxygen you breathe to be dissolved in your blood. This extra
oxygen is used by the body in many ways. It helps to reduce
swelling, control infection, and stimulate the growth of new blood
vessels allowing for many conditions to heal when they otherwise
would not.
HBOT is called an "adjunctive therapy" because it is to be used
along with other forms of treatment your physician has prescribed.
Adding HBOT is proven to significantly increase healing over
standard care alone.
What conditions are typically treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen
Therapy?
Common medical conditions treated with HBOT include chronic
non-healing diabetic foot wounds, compromised skin grafts, chronic
bone infection, and bone/tissue injury resulting from radiation
therapy.
If you have any of the symptoms listed below, we
encourage you to call our center at 607-584-0011 to find
out how HBOT may be able to help you.
Side Effects from Radiation Treatment
Including:
- Inflammation or Infection of the Jaw
- Chronic Inflammation of the Tissues in the Mouth
- Inflammation of the Bladder or Prostate Gland Causing Problems
with Urination or Bleeding
- Rectal Bleeding Not Related to Hemorrhoids
Wound-Related Problems Such As:
- Diabetic Foot Wounds that Have Been Present for Greater than
Four Weeks
- Blockage of Arteries in the Arms or Legs Causing Ulceration /
Open Sores
- Chronic Bone Infections Causing Open Wounds
Other Conditions:
- Areas of the Skin that Need to be Prepared for a Skin
Graft
- Previous Skin Grafts that are at Risk of Not Remaining Intact
What is a typical treatment plan?
Hyperbaric treatments are 2 hours long and are performed daily 6
days per week. The necessary number of treatments is decided
on an individual basis, but typically 4 to 7 weeks of treatments
are required for the desired healing to occur.
What can I expect during a treatment?
Before each treatment, you will change into a cotton uniform
provided by the staff. Your vital signs will be measured and
you will be evaluated by our on-site physician. You will then
enter the chamber and sit down. A trained hyperbaric
technician will assist you and will remain in the chamber
throughout the session.
As the treatment begins and the chamber pressurizes, you may notice
a "popping" in your ears as your body adjusts to the changes.
The chamber will also get a little warmer, but never to the point
of being uncomfortable. When the treatment pressure is
reached, you will be asked to put your head gear on. You can
then sit back and relax, read, nap or watch a movie on the
widescreen TV.
As the treatment ends, the pressure in the chamber decreases and
the air becomes cooler. When the session has concluded, you
will be assisted out of the chamber and you will change back into
your regular clothes. Your uniform and head gear will be
stored for your next treatment.
How will I feel after a treatment?
You will probably find that you feel invigorated or have
increased energy after a treatment. You are free to go about
your daily routine as normal.
What can I bring to the chamber?
You may bring a water bottle and certain reading
materials. Many items are not allowed. As a general
rule, you should not take anything into the chamber unless you have
specifically been told it is safe to do so.
Can I do anything to improve the quality of my treatment?
Yes. There are several things you can do
to improve your success:
- Always attend appointments. Regular, consistent
attendance will help you the most.
- If you smoke, consider stopping or at least cutting down.
Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to your healing
tissues. All of the benefits of HBOT will be increased if you
quit.
- Try to get plenty of rest and eat a balanced diet. These
elements are key to the healing process.
Does insurance cover the cost of HBOT treatments?
Most insurance companies cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy,
including Medicare and Medicaid. We will assist in obtaining
verification of coverage from your insurance company prior to
starting treatments.
How do I get started?
Once we've received a referral from your physician, a Patient
Care Coordinator will contact you to discuss your particular
treatment plan. This person will be able to answer any
questions you may have and get you set up to start
treatment.
Lourdes Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy program is a joint project
of Lourdes Hospital and Mobile Hyperbaric Centers, PLLC.
