Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Program at UCSF Health Saint Francis Hospital is dedicated to the treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds and other medical conditions. Every year non-healing wounds caused by diabetes, poor circulation or other health-related conditions keep millions from living a fulfilling lifestyle. We deliver compassionate care, with a focus on improving your quality of life.

Helping Wounds and Burns Heal

Wounds need oxygen to heal. During Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy, patients are given 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment. We combine pressure and oxygen to increase the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. This helps to speed the healing process.

HBO therapy is an outpatient service provided five days a week for several weeks, depending on your diagnosis, the extent of your wound, and our response to therapy. All treatments are physician supervised and last approximately two hours from start to finish. Chambers are equipped with a television, DVD player, and CD player so you can pass the time with ease.

The Saint Francis Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Program is dedicated to the treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds and other medical conditions. Every year non-healing wounds caused by diabetes, poor circulation or other health-related conditions keep millions from living a fulfilling lifestyle. We deliver compassionate care, with a focus on improving your quality of life.

The Benefits of HBO Therapy

• Areas of the body with limited circulation become saturated in oxygen to facilitate wound healing.
• Increased oxygen helps kill harmful bacteria.
• HBO enhances the growth of new blood vessels in damaged tissues and wounds.
• HBO therapy helps preserve injured tissue.

Proven Medical Treatment

• Chronic non-healing wounds
• Crush injuries
• Decompression sickness/diving accidents
• Lower extremity diabetic ulcers
• Radiation damage

Chronic wounds associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins, and immobility, lead to lower quality of life and may lead to amputations. Typically, a wound that does not respond to normal medical care within 30 days is considered a non-healing wound.

The service is staffed by hyperbaric medicine physician specialists, a hyperbaric certified nurse, and a hyperbaric technician.