Vascular Surgery

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an effective, simple, and painless treatment that delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream to increase the body's natural wound-healing capabilities. At UI Health, our team of highly trained hyperbaric oxygen therapy providers specialize in helping patients heal more quickly and improve their overall health.

About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Certain illnesses and injuries can take longer to heal at the cellular or tissue level. In many cases, this is because adequate oxygen cannot reach the damaged area, prohibiting the body's natural healing ability. In order for the healing process to take place, the body needs to have appropriate oxygen levels in the tissue. HBOT naturally provides extra oxygen to the body to increase blood circulation, promote new blood vessel growth, and fight certain types on infections.

HBOT can be used to treat the following conditions:

• Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities
• Radiation-induced soft tissue and bone injuries
• Poor wound healing in selected wounds
• Chronic infection of the bone
• Failed skin grafts and flaps

Treatment

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the patient sits in is a clear, pressurized, total-body chamber. By having a patient breathe in pure oxygen inside of a pressurized chamber, they can receive high concentrations of oxygen, which increase the body's natural wound-healing capabilities.

The number of treatments needed will depend on your condition and reason for receiving therapy. Most patients receive 40-50 treatments - treatments are 110 minutes long - but the hyperbaric physician will be able to tell you how many treatments you will need. During treatment, the pressure will increase in the chamber, and you may start to feel warm. The rate of oxygen flow can be increased if it becomes too warm. You also will hear a hissing noise, which is the oxygen coming into the chamber. As the pressure changes, you may feel a pressure in your ears.

It is possible that the patient can experience mild side effects from the treatment, including temporary vision changes and earache. Patient safety is our highest priority, and we take every possible precaution to help prevent any risks.

Our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Specialists

William J. Ennis, MD
Igor Altman, MD

Location

Outpatient Care Center, Suite 3F
1801 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Directions

To request an appointment, please fill out the online form or call 312.355.4300.