Helping Hard-to-Heal Wounds
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Many patients with hard-to-heal wounds may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Treatment Center at Manatee Memorial, located on the fourth floor of the Outpatient Services Building.The Center has two new hyperbaric chambers, each consisting of a bed inside a large cylinder with clear, double-acrylic walls. During this painless treatment, patients can see around the room and talk with the attending technicians, take a nap, listen to music or watch television.
The chamber is filled with 100 percent oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure. Breathing pressurized oxygen allows the blood's main component, plasma, to carry oxygen. This helps improve blood flow, reduce the risk of infection and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.
Patients generally do not feel anything during treatments, although some may have a sensation of their ears being "blocked" that's similar to the feeling experienced when taking off or landing in an airplane. Technicians can instruct patients on how to swallow and breathe to dispel the sensation. Some patients may also experience a slight chill; blankets are provided for their comfort.
Treatment for Chronic Wounds
"Hyperbaric therapy usually is prescribed when a wound does not respond to 30 days of other kinds of treatment," says Ben Carter, Program Director. It can be used in addition to other therapies.
Program Director
When Does It Help?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help treat wounds that aren't healing because of certain conditions, including:- Diabetes, which can lead to nonhealing foot and skin wounds
- Damaged blood vessels and other circulatory issues
- Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
- Soft tissue infections that can lead to gangrene and amputation of a limb
"Patients are assessed by a wound care specialist before and after each session," Carter says. "They're also monitored continuously by hyperbaric technicians, who provide emotional support and answer any questions. Our primary goals are healing wounds and providing outstanding one-on-one service and a comfortable patient experience."
Local Diagnostics and Treatments
The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Treatment Center at Manatee Memorial is the first hospital-based, outpatient treatment center in the region.It features two hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers called the Sechrist 3200. This pneumatically controlled system features an acrylic cylinder that is 32 inches in diameter for increased patient mobility and comfort. Ventilation support and intravenous infusion also can be provided.
Available diagnostic and treatment options include:
- Infectious disease management
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nutritional management
- Pain management
- Diabetic education
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiology
- Debridement
