The Hyperbaric and Problem Wound Care Center at Mercy Hospital is one of the most respected facilities in the nation for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). HBOT combined with standard medical and/or surgical care, can be an extremely effective treatment for various medical conditions. The procedure delivers pure oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure in a specially equipped medical device called a hyperbaric chamber. This allows more oxygen to be dissolved in the plasma and absorbed by the body’s tissue – thus promoting healing and dramatically improving treatment success in a variety of clinical situations.
The most familiar use of HBOT is in the treatment of decompression illness (the bends) and arterial gas embolism. Both conditions are extremely common among divers. In fact, the Hyperbaric and Problem Wound Center at Mercy has treated more dive-related injuries than any other facility in the country. That is why Mercy’s Center has been designated as the Divers Alert Network (DAN) Regional Coordinators for Florida and the Caribbean.
The Hyperbaric and Problem Wound Care Center has two state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Chambers, which are capable of treating up to 12 patients simultaneously. The chambers can simulate depths exceeding 165 ft of seawater pressure. In each chamber pure oxygen is provided to patients via face masks, clear hoods or endotracheal tubes.
All aspects of the hyperbaric chamber have been designed with patient safety and comfort in mind. The chamber has windows and comfortable seating. A nurse or paramedic is inside the chamber with the patient at all times and an HBOT Physician is always in attendance and can also be locked into the chamber if needed. Video and audio communications are constantly maintained with technicians and medical personnel at an outside control console. Both chambers can handle critical care patients and use advanced medical monitoring devices. Most hyperbaric treatments are provided in two-hour segments. However, treatments for diving-related injuries may last up to five hours.
In addition to decompression illness and arterial gas embolism, the Hyperbaric and Problem Wound Care Center also treats patients suffering from:
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Smoke Inhalation
- Gas Gangrene
- Crush Injury and Traumatic Wounds
- Compromised Skin Grafts, Flaps, and Replants
- Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
- Refractory Osteomyelitis
- Radiation Tissue Damage
- Thermal Burns
- Exceptional Blood Loss Anemia
The Center works closely with different medical specialties in order to optimize treatment and healing. Hyperbaric oxygen allows for excellent results typically unobtainable with other less comprehensive approaches.
For more information on the Hyperbaric and Problem Wound Care Center at Mercy Hospital, please call (305) 854-0300.
For diving emergencies, please contact our 24-hour hotline at (800) NO-BENDS (662-3637).