Initially, Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy was used for the treatment of divers with decompression sickness. Nowadays, HBO therapy is considerably useful in the treatment of ulcers of various causes, as well as in a variety of medical and surgical conditions.  Currently, this therapy plays an important part in a patient´s comprehensive treatment plan, which may also include surgery, antibiotic therapy, and physical therapy, among others. 

Highly skilled physicians, nurses, and medical technicians all form part of the specialized team at the Hyperbaric Medicine Service of Hospital Clinica Biblica.  Prior to the patient´s first HBO treatment session, the physician meets with the patient to go over his/her personalized treatment plan and to answer any questions or concerns the patient may have at that time.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and how does it work? 

It is a medical treatment where the patient's entire body is exposed to a higher atmospheric pressure (above 1.0 absolute atmospheres) while the patient breathes 100% oxygen. 

The word "hyperbaric" is derived from the prefix "hyper", which means above, and "baro", which refers to barometric pressure; and so, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy refers to  oxygen therapy under high pressure. 

HBO therapy requires that the patient breathe 100% pure oxygen within a sealed chamber.  The pressure within this chamber may be up to three times the normal atmospheric pressure.  This higher pressure increases the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream to several times the normal level.  The blood vessels deliver this super-oxygenated blood to the tissues throughout the body in order to aid in healing, combat infection, reduce inflammation (edema), and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (capillaries).  These are benefits that are unattainable at normal oxygen pressure. 

What is a hyperbaric chamber?

The hyperbaric chambers at Hospital Clinica Biblica are single-patient chambers, where each patient receives individualized therapy.  While in the chamber, the patient may sit-up or recline, with minimal limitation to his/her movement.  

During treatment, which usually lasts about two hours, the patient may speak, rest, listen to music, or watch television.   The staff monitors the patient continuously, aided by the chamber design which allows for  plenty of outside visibility.  A special intercommunication system allows for continuous communication. 

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