Hyperbaric Medicine
General Information

We breathe hundreds of times a day, never giving much thought to the oxygen that sustains -- and even heals -- us. But the connection between our respiratory and circulatory systems is a complex, fascinating mechanism.

As blood flows through our lungs, a substance known as hemoglobin works like a fleet of tiny ships collecting oxygen and transporting it through the body. In healthy people, the system manages to deliver adequate amounts of oxygen. However, when we are sick or injured, demand for oxygen can increase in affected areas of the body. Sometimes demand exceeds the ability of the system to meet that need. That is when hyperbaric therapy -- or the administration of oxygen in a pressurized environment -- is beneficial. When oxygen is administered in a pressurized environment like a hyperbaric chamber, other substances in the blood also begin to function like tiny ships. This essentially supersaturate, the blood with oxygen, delivering increased doses of oxygen to areas of need.

It is a remarkable process and one that is used at Physicians Medical Center Carraway to treat certain conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, brown recluse spider bites, and severe bone and anaerobic infections. It is also used to raise oxygen levels in problem wounds in order to promote healing.

Treatments are offered in a large, computer controlled chamber that can hold as many as 18 people. Patients in this chamber breathe pure oxygen through a hood or mask. A single person -- or monoplace -- chamber is also available for certain cases and educational purposes.

Once considered a controversial and exotic therapy, hyperbaric medicine is now a recognized specialty bolstered by a rapidly increasing body of scientific research. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society and Baromedical Nurses Association are at the forefront of efforts to educate both the public and health care professionals about this exciting field. Carraway staff members are active in both of these organizations and also conduct a course for physicians, nurses, technologists and other health care professionals on hyperbaric medicine.

The department is under medical direction of physicians trained in hyperbaric medicine and operations. It is staffed with critical care nurses and highly skilled hyperbaric technologists. As part of the trauma center at Carraway Methodist Medical Center, the hyperbaric unit is available for emergencies around-the-clock. Normal business hours are 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (CST), Monday - Friday.

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