HBOT

Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Definition of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The patient breathes 100% oxygen intermittently while the pressure of the treatment chamber is increased to greater than one atmosphere absolute (atm abs). Current information indicates that pressurization should be at least 1.4 atm abs.   This may occur in a single person chamber (monoplace) or multiplace chamber (may hold 2 or more people).  Breathing 100% oxygen at 1 atm abs or exposing isolated parts of the body to 100% oxygen does not constitute HBO2 therapy.

Approved Indications

The following indications are approved uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as defined by the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Committee. The Committee Report can be purchased directly through the UHMS.

1. Decompression Sickness
   • A condition caused by rapid ascent in divers, leading to nitrogen bubbles in tissues.
2. Arterial Gas Embolism
   • Air bubbles in the bloodstream that block blood flow.
3. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
   • Toxic exposure to carbon monoxide, often from smoke inhalation or faulty appliances.
4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Complicated by Cyanide Poisoning
   • Concurrent exposure to carbon monoxide and cyanide, typically in fire victims.
5. Gas Gangrene (Clostridial Myonecrosis)
   • A severe bacterial infection producing gas in tissues.
6. Crush Injuries, Compartment Syndromes, and Acute Traumatic Ischemias
   • Conditions that compromise blood flow to tissues due to trauma.
7. Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
   • Severe infections, including necrotizing fasciitis.
8. Refractory Osteomyelitis
   • Chronic bone infections that do not respond to standard treatments.
9. Delayed Radiation Injuries (Soft Tissue and Bone Necrosis)
   • Tissue damage from prior radiation therapy.
10. Compromised Grafts and Flaps
    • Poorly healing or at-risk skin grafts or surgical flaps.
11. Acute Thermal Burn Injury
    • Burns causing significant tissue damage.
12. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
    • Rapid loss of hearing often due to vascular issues or viral infections.
13. Severe Anemia (when transfusion is not an option)
    • Oxygen support in patients with critically low hemoglobin levels.
14. Intracranial abscess