MyChart
Care for Non-Healing Wounds
Why Choose St. Luke's for Hyperbaric Wound Care?
St. Luke's has earned recognition and accreditation through the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society as a "level two - with distinction" clinical hyperbaric facility.
Inside the Hyperbaric Chamber
This combination of high concentrations of oxygen and increased pressure causes large amounts of oxygen to be dissolved in your blood and tissues, typically 10 to 15 times the usual amount. This dissolved oxygen can penetrate areas that red blood cells cannot reach, revitalizing tissues that receive poor blood flow.
What to Expect During Treatment
During your treatment, you lie down inside the chamber. The chamber door is closed, and you begin to hear the air circulating. During this pressurization phase, you may feel a "fullness" or "pressure" sensation in your ears. A hyperbaric technician is outside the chamber at all times to assist and coach you on how to clear your ears and address any other needs you may have. Compression generally lasts 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how effectively you’re able to clear your ears. When you reach the prescribed treatment pressure, the "fullness" or "pressure" sensation ceases. During treatment, you can watch TV or a movie, or listen to music or a book on CD. The total treatment time is approximately two hours.
Treatment Goals
After 20 to 30 treatments, when there is a good response, hyperbaric therapy may be stopped. Your body has been given the “kick-start” it needed to help you finish healing on your own. For radiation and osteomyelitis, 30 to 40 treatments may be required.
Each dive takes approximately 2½ hours total. This can involve a good portion of your time, but it’s very important that you have all your treatments. Treatments are scheduled Monday through Friday.
Throughout your treatment, it’s important that you stay in contact with your primary care physician. Our physicians are fully licensed, but their specialty is in hyperbaric medicine and wound care. For problems not related to your wound care, your physician must remain your constant source of care. Our physicians will keep your primary physician updated on our progress with your care.
