Wounds involved with progressive infections of skin or deeper tissues, chronic bone infections, crush injuries, clotted vessels, radiation injury to soft tissue or bone after cancer treatments, and poorly healing skin grafts or flaps qualify. Tests on blood vessels, x-rays or oxygen content of tissue may also be important in the decision. Oxygen is delivered through a soft mask on the face. The only sensation when the chamber is pressurized is the noise of moving air and an ear pressure feeling not unlike that of descending in an airplane into an airport. Once at pressure the air noise is decreased and little unusual sensation is evident.
Many patients watch TV or sleep during the treatment.
Each treatment is 90 minutes at pressurization. The first treatment may be shorter during the learning process. The number of treatments vary but usually range from 5 in certain conditions to 60 in unusual problem wounds. Treatments are offered 5 days per week during normal working hours. All hyperbaric units are hospital based and most are associated with a wound care program.