Hyperbaric Medicine
The division of Hyperbaric Medicine and Problem Wound Management at St. Luke's provides comprehensive, hospital-based hyperbaric medical services. Our hyperbaric program was the first in the St. Louis area and is the only facility to offer 24-hour emergency care for critically ill patients.
Hyperbaric medicine is used for conditions in which hypoxia, ischemia, edema, bubble formation or infections interfere with tissue function and repair. Here is how it works:
- The patient's blood is supersaturated with oxygen, resulting in increased oxygen delivery to the tissues.
- New tissue growth is promoted through neo-vascularization and osteogenesis enhancement.
- There is increased antimicrobial activity.
- Toxins such as carbon monoxide and cyanide are inactivated.
- Bubble size is mechanically reduced.
Our staff is committed to providing therapeutic, cost-effective wound management through individualized treatment plans using established wound-care protocols.
We offer state-of-the-art medical management of chronic non-healing wounds caused by diabetes, arterial and venous insufficiency and pressure, as well as complicated non-healing surgical wounds. Cutting edge technology, such as bio-engineered growth factors and tissue substitutes, provides a full range of treatment modalities.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Our hyperbaric facility uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a medical procedure where patients are placed under increased atmospheric pressure while breathing 100% oxygen. This type of therapy has proven to be effective for a number of medical and surgical conditions, either as a primary treatment or in addition to other medical treatments such as wound care, antibiotics or surgery.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in the treatment of:
- Actinomycosis
- Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
- Arterial gas embolism
- Bone and soft tissue injuries resulting from radiation therapy
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Certain diabetic ulcers of the lower extremity
- Chronic non-resolving osteomyelitis
- Chronic refractory osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Compromised skin grafts and flaps
- Crush injuries
- Decompression illness from scuba diving
- Gas gangrene
- Osteoradionecrosis
- Progressive necrotizing infection and fasciitis
- Select acute arterial insufficiency wounds
- Select problem wounds
- Soft tissue radionecrosis
June's Story
June woke up one morning and couldn't hear out of her left ear. Watch the video to learn about her experience with St. Luke's Hyperbaric team and how her hearing was almost completely restored.
Hyperbaric treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss is not currently covered by Medicare but is approved with commercial insurance.
Location
St. Luke's Desloge Outpatient Center, Building B
111 St. Luke's Center Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63017