FDA Approved Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

We are in network with Medicare, Tricare and most private insurance companies. We will work with the insurance to complete a pre-authorization for treatment, should you meet the requirements for an insurance covered indication. Find out more about these indications below.

We strive to be at the forefront of new research when it comes to the field of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We see extremely promising results with head injuries and concussions, and also with PTSD and mental health symptoms. These indications are all at the forefront of hyperbaric research and are therefore not FDA-approved indications for treatment. There are 10 indications that are FDA-approved for hyperbaric treatment. Having a medication or treatment approved by the FDA means that the science behind the treatment or medication has been researched, studied, peer reviewed, and proven to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the science is accurate and safe for humans. HBOT has been around for over a hundred years and we are continuously adding more conditions to our repertoire that we can help. Below we will discuss the most well-known FDA approved indications for HBOT, what they are, and specifically how hyperbarics helps with these conditions.

Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," is a condition that occurs when dissolved gasses (such as nitrogen) come out of solution in the bloodstream and form bubbles. These bubbles cause immense pain. The bends typically affects scuba divers or individuals exposed to high altitudes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to reduce the size of these bubbles, allowing minimal tissue damage. This then allows the body to naturally filter out the excess gasses.

Gas Embolism

Gas embolisms occur when air or gas bubbles enter the bloodstream and obstruct blood flow to vital organs. Depending on where the embolism is located will dictate the types of symptoms observed. Embolisms in and around the heart can impair regular heart function, potentially leading to dangerous and even deadly heart rhythms. Embolisms in other parts of the body can cause cells and tissue to become ischemic (low oxygen) and die. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is effective in treating gas embolism by reducing the size of the bubbles and enhancing their absorption. The FDA recognizes the use of HBOT in treating gas embolism, which can occur during medical procedures like surgeries or during scuba diving accidents.

Non-Healing Wounds

Non-healing wounds may include diabetic foot ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and arterial insufficiency ulcers. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the oxygen supply to the wound site, promotes the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), reduces infection risk, reduces swelling, and accelerates the healing process. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is typically used as an adjunctive therapy with conventional wound care.

Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps

Skin grafts and flaps are surgical procedures used to repair or replace damaged skin. In some cases, these grafts and flaps may become compromised due to insufficient blood supply or infection. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been approved by the FDA as an adjunctive therapy to improve graft and flap survival. By enhancing oxygenation and promoting tissue repair, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help increase the success rate of these procedures and potentially save failing grafts of flaps. Remember: hyperbaric oxygen therapy cannot bring back dead tissue, but it can restore damaged tissue.

Post-Radiation Tissue Damage

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer; however, it can also cause damage to the healthy tissue surrounding the targeted area. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown promising results in mitigating and reversing radiation-induced tissue damage. By increasing oxygen levels in the tissues, hyperbaric oxygen therapy aids in tissue regeneration, promoting the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and reducing inflammation.

Crush Injuries and Compartment Syndrome

Crush injuries occur when a body part is compressed or trapped under a heavy object, leading to tissue damage and impaired blood flow. Compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, resulting in restricted blood flow. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been approved by the FDA as an adjunctive treatment for crush injuries and compartment syndrome. By improving oxygenation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps reduce tissue damage, mitigate swelling, restore blood flow, and promote healing.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Necrotizing soft tissue infections, also known as flesh-eating bacteria infections, are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions that cause rapid tissue destruction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in combination with surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections. Some bacteria cannot live in an oxygen rich environment. By increasing oxygen supply to the infected tissues, it has a sanitizing effect. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps fight off and kill the bacteria and aids in tissue repair.

Osteomyelitis (Refractory)

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can be challenging to treat, particularly in cases where it is refractory or non-responsive to conventional therapies. The FDA has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment for refractory osteomyelitis. By improving blood flow, stimulating tissue oxygenation, and supporting the immune response, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can assist in eradicating the infection and promoting bone healing.

Severe Anemia

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been FDA-approved for the treatment of severe anemia when blood transfusion is not readily available or feasible. By delivering high concentrations of oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase oxygen saturation and alleviate symptoms associated with severe anemia.

Thermal Burns

Severe thermal burns, including frostbite, can lead to tissue damage, compromised blood flow, and delayed healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has received FDA approval as an adjunctive treatment for thermal burns. By increasing oxygen levels, hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports the healing process, reduces tissue inflammation, and enhances the formation of new blood vessels, thereby improving burn wound healing outcomes.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has emerged as a valuable adjunctive treatment option for various medical conditions. It is important to note that hyperbaric oxygen therapy should always be administered under the supervision of trained medical professionals who can evaluate each patient's specific condition and determine the appropriateness of this therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy continues to be researched for its potential benefits in other conditions and holds promise as a non-invasive approach to aid in the healing process, providing renewed hope for numerous patients.

By: Tanner Mjelde, Certified Hyperbaric Technician