David Davenport, MD, Medical Director, Borgess Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center stands in front of two hyperbaric chambers located at the center.

KALAMAZOO MI–A specialized treatment using 100 percent oxygen therapy can help the five million Americans who have a non-healing or chronic wound. The treatment, called hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is available at the Borgess Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center, Suite 202, North Professional Building, Borgess Medical Center. The service is a partnership with Candescent Healing, a national leader in hyperbaric medicine.

“Body tissues require oxygen to thrive,” said David Davenport, MD, Medical Director, Borgess Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center. “When tissues are injured, more oxygen is necessary.

“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves placing a patient in a pressurized chamber where they breathe oxygen,” Dr. Davenport said. “Compression allows the oxygen to enter smaller blood vessels and tissue than possible under normal atmospheric conditions. We deliver two or three times more oxygen than someone could take in by breathing in a non-pressurized setting.

“The patient’s blood carries this additional oxygen throughout the body promoting the recovery process and healing wounds that are often resistant to other forms of treatment,” Dr. Davenport said. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an effective option for complicated wounds such as diabetic ulcers, post-surgical foot wounds, bone infection, failed skin grafts/flaps, damage from radiation therapy, arterial wounds and other types of wounds.”

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments are painless and the oxygen is odorless and tasteless. They typically last 90 minutes at optimal pressure, five days a week, for six weeks. Patients recline in a comfortable, clear chamber, watch television, listen to music, speak with staff professionals, or even sleep.

The Borgess Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center works with doctors in vascular medicine, radiology, reconstructive surgery and other specialties.

“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is part of the total wound treatment regimen, not a stand alone cure,” Dr. Davenport said. “We work with other doctors as a team to assist with challenging, possibly tissue compromising cases.”

For more information about the Borgess Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center, contact Mary Beth Kaiser, NP, WOCN at (269) 552.0014.