Hyperbaric Medicine

The hyperbaric chamber at Hartford Hospital's Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine

When a wound fails to heal following 6 weeks of standard medical care, it is considered a "problem wound" and has the potential to benefit from the services offered by a wound healing center. The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Hartford Hospital provides high quality, cost-effective treatment for individuals with problem wounds.

 

VIDEO: Watch the hyperbaric chamber in action in this WFSB TV "Better Connecticut" segment.

Approximately 10-15% of persons seeking care at a wound care center may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO 2 T). The Wound Center houses a state-of-the-art 10-person hyperbaric oxygen chamber, which is the only chamber of its kind located within a medical facility in the New England region. The environment within the chamber is compressed air, which is adjusted to 2-3 times greater than atmospheric or sea level pressure. While inside, individuals wear oxygen delivery hoods which provide 100% oxygen. Patients typically spend 2 hours in the chamber and receive daily treatment for 30-60 days, depending upon their diagnosis and response rate. An attendant is present inside the chamber assisting patients and monitoring their clinical status.

 

A physician trained in HBO 2 T is present continuously during treatments. The Hyperbaric Medicine Program, in addition to providing support to the Wound Center, will function on a 24-hour, 7-day a week basis to treat emergent diagnoses such as decompression sickness, venous or arterial gas embolization, carbon monoxide poisoning, traumatic crush injuries, and necrotizing soft-tissue infections. The chamber is capable of providing therapy for critically ill, ventilator-dependent adult and pediatric patients. The Hyperbaric Medicine Program is an active member of the Divers Alert Network (DAN).