Hyperbaric Medicine

The department of Hyperbaric Medicine at Terrebonne General Medical Center performs Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which is a pressurized environment in which patients breathe high levels of oxygen to heal and treat a variety of conditions. Patients are placed into a special chamber where they breathe 100% oxygen. The air inside the pressurized chamber is typically 2 1/2 times greater than normal atmospheric pressure. This leads to the patient’s blood carrying larger amounts of oxygen and bringing this oxygen to organs and tissues in the body. By doing so, wounds, particularly infected wounds, can heal more rapidly.

This oxygen therapy was developed and tested by the military and has been safely used since the 1930’s. TGMC is one of only several dozen facilities in the US that has a Hyperbaric Medicine Department. The department first opened its doors in March 1990, and is celebrating their 15-year anniversary.

The department is coordinated under the direction of a Medical Director and has a treatment team consisting of a certified hyperbaric medicine registered nurse and technician who are highly skilled professionals.

Hyperbaric Medicine is the use of oxygen under pressure, used as a drug (medicine).

There are two basic functions of hyperbaric oxygen on the human body. The first and most commonly used at TGMC is the increased partial pressure of oxygen in all of the tissues of the body. This typically acts as a drug with specific indications and side effects. The second function of hyperbaric oxygen is the mechanical effect, which is useful in treating diving accidents such as decompression illness.

Under the direction of a Medical Director, a certified hyperbaric medicine registered nurse and technician, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as:

• Enhancement of healing selected problem wounds including diabetic foot ulcers
• Crush injuries
• Air or gas embolism
• Carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation
• Gas gangrene
• Decompression sickness
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections
• Osteomyelitis
• Radiation tissue damage
• Failing skin grafts and flaps
• Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
• Acute peripheral arterial insuffiency

The uses for hyperbaric oxygen therapy continue to develop and expand. Clinical trials are underway with this treatment plan for other conditions including strokes, traumatic brain injuries, heart attacks and cerebral palsy.

While undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy a treatment plan will be developed for each patient. The plan consists of four components: the treatment sessions, the daily schedule, the medical restrictions and the safety components. A member of the hyperbaric team will go over the full treatment plan upon the initial visit.

The hyperbaric medicine department is also capable of measuring oxygen tensions of the tissue through Transcutaneous Oximetry Measurements (TCOM’s). This non-invasive tool helps to determine a more accurate outcome for the patients. It measures the oxygen levels in the tissue on room air and with the patient breathing 100% oxygen. This information is then calculated to determine a regional perfusion index (RPI). RPI helps determine the sites healing potential, both on room air and oxygen.

TCOM’s have been a great benefit in keeping the department current with the latest technology. In addition, TCOM’s also promote better outcomes and satisfaction for our patients, which is the primary focus of the department.

Another benefit of TCOM testing is to achieve a better outcome in the decision on levels of amputations when hyperbaric treatments may not be indicated.

During a hyperbaric consult, diabetic wounds are covered with patients who meet the following criteria:

• The patient has type I or II diabetes and has a lower extremity wound that is due to diabetes.
• The patient has a wound classified as a Wagner Grade III or higher.
• The patient has failed an adequate course of standard wound therapy.

To contact the Hyperbaric Medicine Department at Terrebonne General Medical Center call (985) 873-4164. The department hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. In order to schedule a treatment plan you must have a physician order.

We look forward to serving you!

8120 Main Street, Suite 204
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 873-4164 phone
(985) 873-3596 fax