What is HBOT ?
Hyperbaric Oxygen is a medical therapy modality wherein the patient breathes 100% oxygen at absolute
pressures that are two to three times greater than normal atmospheric pressure. This is a systemic delivery
of oxygen that produces up to a 22-fold increase in arterial plasma oxygen concentration.
This produces arterial oxygen tensions of up to 2,000 mmHg, which increases the diffusion distance from
functioning capillaries by up to 6 times. HBOT is NOT to be confused with topical oxygen delivery using a
box or tent arrangement, which is neither FDA approved nor Medicare/Medicaid reimbursed.
The effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is based on a common underlying principle: oxygen is delivered
to tissues and cells by being temporarily incorporated in the hemoglobin within the body's red blood cells.
Under normal conditions, when air is taken into the lungs and passes into the blood
supply, hemoglobin is almost 100 percent saturated with oxygen. However, injury or disease may disrupt that
process, depriving tissues and cells of some or all of their required oxygen. Under these circumstances,
normal atmospheric pressure is not strong enough to force the required amount of oxygen into the body.
Although the hemoglobin does not absorb much more oxygen, HBOT saturates the blood plasma, which
comprises the bulk of the blood, with oxygen, thereby increasing delivery to the tissues and cells.
Compared to air, which has 21 percent oxygen at 1 ata, 100 percent oxygen at 3 ata causes a 10 to 15-fold
increase in plasma oxygen concentration with a resultant increase in tissue oxygenation.
In addition to hyperoxygenating the blood, oxygen delivered at appropriate pressure greatly enhances the body s white
blood cells ability to kill bacteria and fight infection. It also reduces edema, or fluid accumulation, through
vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), and helps the body lay down wound-repairing connective
tissue. These results cannot be duplicated with topical oxygen, which is applied to a patient through vented
plastic bags or cups. There is no evidence, however, that topical oxygen therapy is of any medical benefit.
DISCLAIMER: This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. Anyone who wishes to embark on any medical program intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult with a qualified physician