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Hyperbaric medicine

Hyperbaric medicine is a treatment requiring increased atmospheric pressure. One common component, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), uses the higher atmospheric pressure to provide increased amounts of oxygen to the body to reinforce healing.

HCAH_Specialty_HyperbaricMedicine

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in Trinity, Florida

At HCA Florida Trinity Hospital's Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center, we use HBOT to treat several medical conditions.

Through the use of our state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen chambers, our physicians have helped patients from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties improve circulation and heal severe and chronic wounds.

Conditions treated with HBOT

HBOT is most often used as part of a wound healing process. Some conditions that may benefit from HBOT include:

  • Carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning
  • Chronic osteomyelitis
  • Compromised flaps or grafts
  • Crush injuries and other acute traumatic ischemia
  • Delayed radiation injury (soft tissue and bony necrosis)
  • Diabetic ulcer of lower extremity
  • Gas gangrene
  • Necrotizing infections

About HBOT

Except for certain emergency situations, HBOT is used as part of an overall treatment plan, which may include antibiotics, special dressings, debridement and other therapy.

Preparing for your hyperbaric medicine treatment

We often administer hyperbaric medicine on an outpatient basis. Medicare and most healthcare plans reimburse patients for hyperbaric treatment.

For safety reasons, certain items are not allowed inside the hyperbaric chamber. Please do not wear or bring any of the following items:

  • Any alcohol or petroleum-based products
  • Hairspray, hair oil or gel, wigs or hairpieces
  • Makeup, perfume, aftershave and lotions
  • Matches, lighters or flammable materials
  • Watches, hearing aids or electronic devices

Please notify the staff if you come down with a cold or flu. This may impact your treatments. Also, please alert the staff if there is any change in your medications.

If you have diabetes, please eat appropriately and continue to follow your daily routine.

If you smoke, please refrain from smoking as much as possible during the time period for which you will be having treatments. It may advance your healing process if you stop smoking altogether during this time.


What to expect during your HBOT treatment

After an initial consultation and evaluation by a hyperbaric physician, you and the physician will set a time and date to start the treatment.

Our specially trained staff will give you complete instructions on your treatment and explain all of the expectations and risks of your therapy plan. However, in general, you can expect the following:

  • When you first arrive, you will be provided with 100 percent cotton garments to change into before the treatment. You will be asked to remove your shoes, and no outside items will be allowed in the chamber. Your physician may do a cursory exam of your ears. Your vital signs will be taken before treatment, including your blood sugar, if needed.
  • When you are ready, we will prepare you for the treatment by lying you down on a special hyperbaric bed. We will provide you with water and a blanket. One of our staff members is always in attendance while the treatment is in progress.
  • When your treatment starts, the chamber will be pressurized, similar to the pressurizing of an airplane cabin. The pressure in your ears will need to be cleared by swallowing, yawning or other methods. Our staff can instruct you on the best practices for this. The initial pressurization will only take five to seven minutes until we reach the appropriate pressure or depth.
  • During your treatment, you may watch television, listen to music, relax or sleep. The oxygen is administered at different time intervals, typically for a total of 90 minutes of oxygen. The total time inside the chamber is usually just less than two hours.
  • After your treatment, we will depressurize the chamber slowly, taking about five minutes to reach the "surface." There will be no noticeable side effects that will prevent you from going about your daily routine.

Coming to our hyperbaric center

Our Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center is located on our hospital's main campus.

Our hours of operation are:

Monday through Friday
8:00am to 4:30pm

Our address is:

9332 State Road 54, Suite 302
Trinity, FL 34655