Some wounds need more than standard care. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy enhances healing by delivering high levels of oxygen directly to damaged tissues.
This helps repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and fight infection—especially in complex cases such as wounds with osteomyelitis or radiation-related tissue injury, including radiation proctitis and radiation cystitis.
At Buffalo Vascular Care, HBO therapy is part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to help you heal faster and more effectively.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat Is Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is a safe, noninvasive outpatient treatment prescribed to enhance the body's natural healing process. At Buffalo Vascular Care, patients undergo HBO therapy by breathing 100% oxygen within a specialized, pressurized chamber.
Inside the chamber, atmospheric pressure is increased to approximately 2 to 2.5 times normal levels. This allows oxygen to dissolve more efficiently into the bloodstream, significantly increasing oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body. The result is improved wound healing, enhanced tissue repair, and the ability to help combat infections—including those involving deeper structures such as bone.
This increased oxygen delivery helps repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and fight infection—especially in complex cases such as wounds with osteomyelitis or radiation-related tissue injury, including radiation proctitis and radiation cystitis.
HBO therapy is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive wound care plan. It is commonly used in conjunction with advanced wound management, vascular optimization, and coordinated care with referring providers to support optimal healing outcomes in appropriately selected patients.
Conditions That Benefit from HBO Therapy
Many different indications have been shown to benefit from HBO therapy, including:
What to Expect During HBO Therapy
Before Your Session
Prior to entering the chamber, you will be given a hospital gown to wear. Please leave all cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs, jewelry, and electronic devices outside the chamber. Be sure to let our HBO technician know about any medications you are taking — including non-prescription drugs — or any medical devices. Most pacemakers are allowed in the chamber.
We also advise patients not to drink alcohol or carbonated beverages for four hours prior to treatment. Because smoking and tobacco use interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen, our wound care team will work with you on techniques to help stop smoking during the treatment period.
During Your Session
Each HBO treatment takes approximately two hours and is quite comfortable for most patients. During your session, you can rest, sleep, watch television, or listen to music.
During certain portions of the treatment, you may experience some fullness or a popping sensation in your ears — similar to what you might feel while flying in a plane or driving through the mountains. Our HBO technician will teach you simple techniques to clear your ears and relieve this sensation.
HBO Treatment Plan
HBO therapy is provided once daily for several weeks as part of your personalized treatment plan. For HBO therapy to be effective, it must be provided consistently — much like an antibiotic that only works when taken regularly for the full course prescribed by your provider.
We understand that coming to the HBO unit each day is a commitment. However, to obtain the greatest benefit from HBO therapy, we strongly advise attending every scheduled appointment. Consistency is the single most important factor in your healing.
One treatment per day, approximately two hours each
Treatment duration is customized to your specific condition
Consistency is critical — attend every session for optimal results