Hyperbaric Medicine

The clinical specialty using oxygen breathing and pressure to treat diseases and injuries inside a hyperbaric chamber 

HyperBaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric oxygen is the primary therapy for decompression sickness, gas embolism and carbon monoxide intoxication. In other indications such as severe soft tissue infections HBO is an important part of a multidisciplinary program including antibiotics, surgery and intensive care.

In our daily work we treat patients with diabetic foot ulcers and radiation injuries to the bladder, intestines and jaw. We also treat postoperative infections and complications such as brain abscesses and infected implants (neurostimulators, prostheses etc). 

Our unit is one of the most modern in the world with one large multiplace chamber, equipped for full intensive care under hyperbaric conditions, and four monoplace chambers. We have staff on call "24/7"  for consultations and treatment of emergencies, acute trauma and sepsis patients, including children. 

How does HBO work?

The increase in pressure combined with administration of 100 % oxygen allows a large amount of oxygen to be transported physically dissolved in the blood and increases  oxygen diffusion distance into the tissues. Hypoxic regions can be rescued and the outcome can be improved in a variety of conditions. HBO improves oxygen dependent leukocyte bacterial killing and antibiotic effects. HBO also reduces edema and inflammation.  A series of HBO treatments cause new capillaries to be formed, improves wound healing and bone regeneration, in part due to mobilization of stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood and wounded tissues. 

How is the treatment done?

Hyperbaric oxygen is usually given at a pressure of 2,5-2.8 bar (250 - 280 kPa), the total procedure including safe compression/ decompression usually takes less than 2 hours. This dose is repeated 2 - 3 times a day for critically ill patients. The number of treatments given depends on the medial condition and the prescribed treatment program, ranging from a few acute treatments in the first days up to 40 sessions given over an 8-week period. 

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