Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the process of breathing while being in a chamber that’s pressurized to more than the atmospheric pressure at sea level — or more than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). At Legacy Medical Centers, our chambers reach 4 PSI or 1.3 ATA. Oxygen is transported in the blood in two ways: (1) bound to hemoglobin, and (2) dissolved in plasma. The amount of dissolved oxygen is increased by the pressure of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, as explained by Henry’s Law (the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid), and ultimately results in maximized tissue oxygenation. In HBOT, oxygen moves as inhaled gas to blood in the arteries to capillary beds and across the interstitial and intercellular fluid. The final destination of oxygen — the sites of utilization within the cell — are the mitochondria, peroxisome, and endoplasmic reticulum.
Oxidative stress is a key mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Breathing greater than 1 ATA O2 will increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) help with a variety of growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. ROS play important roles in protective, antioxidant pathways, such as maintenance of glutathione levels. HBOT promotes the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates formation of new blood vessels in wounds (neovascularization) to help with repair. HBOT also stimulates fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and enhances the synthesis and cross-linking of collagen synthesis. Rahav Boussi-Gross of The Institute of Hyperbaric Medicine notes that oxygen may be a “common denominator” to repair and regeneration mechanisms within the body.
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*Please note that health insurance only covers HBOT in specific circumstances. For patients of Legacy Medical Centers, use of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber will include a nominal cash fee (this includes the cost of personal oxygen mask) per session in the event that your condition is not covered.
Walk-in use of the HBOT is also available at the prices below:
Our Sessions are 1 hour in length and begin when the chamber is fully pressurized. Therefore, please allow approximately 1 1/2 hours for your appointment time.
At Legacy Medical Centers, patients may be evaluated by a physician in order to determine if HBOT may be helpful and is safe in each case. Call (724) 941-0707 to inquire for further details.
Reach out to us today and one of our team members will get in touch right away.
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