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 hyper-oxygenating 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.
How Is The Effectiveness Measured
Most people are familiar with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CAT (computerized axial tomography) scans, which
are superb at depicting structural anatomy. However, neither is designed for or is capable of measuring the brain
activity.
A specialized tool, the SPECT (single photon, emission-computed tomography) scan, has been proven effective in this
task - and it is the primary tool OHNC employs to objectively measure the effectiveness of HBOT on patients.
Specifically, SPECT scanning show actual brain functioning, in visual terms. It can help doctors to see how blood
is flowing through different areas within a patient's brain, visualize brain metabolism, and make a better diagnosis
of his/her condition.
During SPECT scanning, a radioactive "tracer" agent is injected into a vein in the hand or arm. The tracer localizes
in an area of the brain where it can then be "photographed." Only viable tissue can absorb the tracer, which breaks
down harmlessly within a few hours. A special gamma camera aimed at the head pinpoints the position and energy of
photons emitted, as the tracer disintegrates. As inert (dead) cells do not absorb the tracer at all, SPECT scanning
can distinguish between living and dead (necrotic) tissue. SPECT scanning can also identify between recoverable
brain cells (referred to as sleeping cells, idling neurons, or the ischemic penumbra). If the living brain tissue
is determined to be recoverable, or in an electrically inactive or idling state, HBOT may substantially and/or
permanently revive them.
Side Effects of HBOT
The predominant side effect hyperbaric medicine is barotraumas (pressure damage) to the eardrums. Ear tubes may be required by some patients. Although no ruptured eardrums have occurred in our hyperbaric facility, this complication has been reported.
Pure hyperbaric oxygen can produce toxicity, but the treatment parameters used in clinical HBOT are well within the safe limits. In about one in 10,000 compressions, certain types of patients may have an epileptic type seizure due to oxygen sensitivity or low blood sugar—these seizures have produced no long-term effects and pass quickly. Our Staff is trained to watch for this conditional and how to properly handle it should it occur. We have never had one happen, but about 1 in 10,000 dives are the averages.
During a prolonged course of treatment, some patients will note a change in vision caused by the molding of the cornea by the increased pressure—this reverses when HBOT is completed
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