Hyperbaric medicine has a very interesting history and may date back further than you imagine. According to Hyperbaric Medicine: A Brief History by Daniel S. Morrison, M.D. and R. Duncan Kirkby, Ph.D., “As early as the 1600’s, practitioners varied atmospheric pressure in attempts to heal.” Over the centuries, what amounts to the evolution of air compression devices and just the overall advancement of modern day technology have resulted in what we know as today’s Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment chambers. In the 1930’s, HBO was primarily used to treat coal miners and deep sea divers suffering from decompression sickness. However, many clinical trials were done which demonstrated exposure to HBO chambers had a number of beneficial possibilities.

Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment in its simplest form is essentially exposing the patient to an environment equal to that which is observed at 40 feet below sea level – or at a rate of 100 percent oxygen. This type of therapy, in conjunction with other treatments as determined by a physician, is able to improve healing time and capability. There are instances where a patient’s medical condition inhibits their ability to heal. For example, those with diabetes, poor circulation, infection, nutritional deficiencies or immobility traditionally take longer to heal and many need intervention in order to do so fully. In these cases, a doctor might use HBO in order to hasten healing and decrease the possibility of serious complications related to the wound.

MountainView acquired their two HBO chambers in August of 2005 and they have been assisting the team of specialists that make up the staff of the Wound Care Center ever since. Wound Care Nurse Manager, Laura Griego, explained that it’s the center in combination with the HBO that makes their facility unique. “It makes a big difference to have physicians who specialize in wound care and in HBO,” says Griego. “Our physicians have HBO certification in addition to their knowledge of wound care by more conventional means.” This type of specialization is important when you consider it’s the only facility in Southern New Mexico with hyperbaric chambers. Griego says it’s common for them to treat patients not just from Las Cruces, but from Silver City, Ruidoso, Deming, Alamogordo and Truth or Consequences, as well.

Though it’s up to your physician’s discretion if HBO is right for your specific wound or trauma, Griego tells us that at MountainView they use the chambers primarily in treatment of diabetic ulceration (usually of the feet) and chronic osteomyelitis (which is a specific infection of the bone or bone marrow). She goes on to explain that this is largely due to the prevalence of these two conditions, but also because these specific conditions are two that will generally get a “green light” from insurance companies as needing HBO treatment. It’s also commonly used in the treatment of failed skin grafts or flaps, crushing injuries that might occur in a car accident, radial necrosis and decompression sickness.

While HBO may seem like the modern day “snake oil” or the miracle cure for everything, Griego advises that it’s not for everyone. “People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can’t do it,” she says. “In fact, a patient with any kind of pulmonary problems must be carefully evaluated before they would be allowed to undergo this type of treatment.”

Patients must also be willing to commit to multiple treatments. HBO, for the purposes of wound care, is not a one-hit-wonder. Sixty treatments are not uncommon when dealing with HBO. Often, this means two hours daily, Monday through Friday or roughly a three month obligation.

Beyond this, a common question among patients is whether or not they will become claustrophobic. Obviously, this varies greatly from patient to patient. Because the cylinder is clear and the patient is not strapped down, many do not have a problem with it. However, if you have a history of claustrophobia, your doctor may be able to prescribe a sedative for you to take a half an hour prior to your treatments in order to help you to relax.

Remember, it’s important to be proactive where your health is concerned. It’s never too soon to consult your doctor about a wound. And, if your wound isn’t healing by conventional means, it may be time to talk to your doctor about HBO treatments.