We have put together a list of some of the
questions we hear most often when someone is considering the
Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Extremity Chamber. If you have a
question that is not listed below, don’t hesitate to call
and ask (781-665-0456) or email ghovorka@anderswoundcare.com.
Q. What is Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
A. Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (THBO) is defined
as a treatment mode in which the patient's extremity is
entirely enclosed in a pressurized chamber.
Q. How is Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy different from
Whole Body Treatment?
A. This technology treats only the effected limb and is not
to be confused with costly full body treatment or expensive,
disposable hyperbaric oxygen "bags" that cannot
deliver deliver beneficial, pulsating intermittent pressure
directly to the wound site.
Q. How does Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy work?
A. Significant physiological mechanisms, which are activated
as a result of hyperbaric oxygenation, explain the many therapeutic
results of THBO. Please click on the "clinicals"
tab on the left to view some of the most recent scientific
work on the beneficial effects of topical hyperbaric oxygen
treatment.
Q. How long does treatment take:
A. Treatment is typically carried out for 90 minutes once
or twice per day depending on the severity of the wound.
A definite change in wound status typically occurs by the
8th day and many patients have completed treatment in 10
days.
Q. Can I rent a chamber for home use?
A. The chamber can only be applied under the supervision
of a physician or doctor of podiatric medicine. Treatment
is typically carried out in a Nursing Home or other sub-acute
facility.
Q. How long will it take my wound to heal?
A. There is no definite answer for how long it will take
a wound to heal. You need to be aware that certain diseases—diabetes,
venous deficiencies, or other medical conditions—may make
healing time slower. While Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment
can promote treatment where other methods fail, it is also
important that you maintain your wound healing process at
home and follow the instructions provided by your health care
professional so that your wound will heal successfully and
promptly.
Q. Does a Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment hurt?
A. Provided adequate nursing help to apply and remove the
treatment chamber, the treatment is painless.
Q. What does a typical Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
consist of/look like?
A. The nurses or aides will first remove any bandages and
check the condition of your wound, and prepare you to apply
the chamber. This will consist of applying a soft rubber seal
around your leg close to your knee They will the place your
leg in the chamber while you rest comfortably in bed. Treatment
will usually take 90 minutes. When the treatment is finished,
the nurses and/or aides will remove your leg from the chamber
and remove the rubber seal. They will then dress your wound
and set you up with the appropriate bandages so you can rest
comfortably until the next treatment.
Q. What is the service radius of Anders Wound Care?
A. Currently the primary service radius is the greater Boston
metro area and southern New Hampshire. Service is also possible
for Worcester County and the Cape & Islands. If you need
treatment and are located in New York City metro area, our
sister company: Advanced Hyperbarics may be able to help.
Please contact the office for details.
