Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Therapy
When you need advanced care to help a wound heal, turn to the Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center at Virginia Hospital Center. You'll find effective treatments from a team of specialists dedicated to your health.
Accredited Wound Care
Trust Virginia Hospital Center for safe, high-quality wound care and excellent outcomes. Our Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center is accredited by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).
Do I Need to See a Wound Specialist?
Talk to your doctor if you have a wound or sore that hasn't healed in four weeks.
Conditions We Treat
Get effective, cost-efficient care for all types of wounds and wound-healing complications, including:
- Cellulitis – Skin infection
- Foot ulcers – Sores caused by diabetes or poor blood flow
- Osteomyelitis – Bone infection
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores) – Sores caused by staying in one position for too long
- Radiation necrosis – Tissue damage from radiation therapy
- Skin flaps or grafts – Skin used to cover damaged tissue
- Surgical wounds – Incisions made during surgery
- Trauma wounds – Injuries from accidents, falls or other causes
Multidisciplinary Wound Care
Benefit from the skill and knowledge of an experienced wound care team that works together for you. Depending on your condition, your care team may include:
- Hyperbaric technicians
- Infectious disease doctors
- Interventional cardiologists
- Interventional radiologists
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Nutritionists
- Ostomy nurses
- Plastic surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Vascular surgeons
Wound Care Treatments & Services
Count on us to create a wound healing plan tailored to you. Access advanced technologies and treatments, including:
- Antibiotic infusion – Delivers medicine directly to your vein through an IV
- Bioengineered tissue – Helps your body close wounds
- Compression wraps – Improve blood flow and reduce swelling
- Debridement – Removes damaged tissue to support healing
- Home care – Provides treatment in your home
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Allows you to breathe 100% oxygen to speed healing
- Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) – Removes fluid from your wound to improve healing
- Wound dressings – Protect your wound and promote healing
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Learn what to expect if hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is part of your care plan.
Why HBOT?
The air we breathe is a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and other gases. During HBOT you'll breathe 100% oxygen. This allows your body to take in more oxygen than usual. The extra oxygen can improve wound healing by reducing swelling, keeping infection under control, and stimulating new blood vessel growth.
What to Expect
During HBOT, you'll lie in a large, clear acrylic tube, or chamber.
The first few minutes in the chamber will be noisy because pressurized gas is entering it. It will seem warm at first and then the temperature will adjust to a comfortable level. You may feel a change in pressure in your ears, similar to when descending in an airplane.
During treatment, you may watch movies, listen to music, or close your eyes and relax. You'll be able to communicate with your care team using an intercom system.
At the end of the treatment, we reduce the chamber pressure, the air will feel colder, and you'll feel your ears "popping."
Each treatment lasts two hours.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Work with your care team to create the right care plan for your condition.
Treatments are available Monday through Friday. Usually, patients receive one treatment per day.
Side Effects of HBOT
Side effects of HBOT are uncommon, but may include:
- Ear discomfort
- Lung discomfort or pressure injuries
- Temporary nearsightedness (difficulty focusing on things that are far away)
