Oxygen chambers help treat wounds

New treatment is now available for patients who suffer from wounds that do not heal properly. The Boone Hospital Wound Clinic began using the hyperbaric oxygen last November.

These chambers use 100 percent oxygen at a higher than normal atmospheric pressure. The oxygen surrounding the tissue around the wound would then allow further healing.

During this process, patients are inside the hyperbaric oxygen chamber relaxing, watching television or listening to the radio. The procedure is painless, but patients feel the sensation of eardrum pressure caused by the increased atmospheric pressure.

Some types of unhealed wounds that the clinic will be seeing include diabetic ulcers, leg ulcers from poor circulation and pressure ulcers.

The clinic also uses vascular studies, X-Ray data and blood work as tools to treat wounds. Every wound treatment has been individualized for each patient.