Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
WA
- Chamber type
- hard-shell
- Accreditation
- UHMS Accredited With Distinction
- Address
- WA
Contact & Hours
About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) in Seattle is a leading hyperbaric oxygen therapy provider in the Northwest region. It features the only triple-lock multiplace chamber in the area, capable of comfortably accommodating patients in reclining chairs. The center is accredited with distinction by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). Virginia Mason Franciscan Health also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a monoplace chamber at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, and St. Anne Hospital in Burien. The VMMC center is staffed by board-certified physicians and trained nurses and technicians. They are the only facility in the northwest region capable of treating hyperbaric urgencies and emergencies 24/7/365. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy at VMFH involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing oxygen levels in the blood to promote healing. This therapy is effective for various conditions, including non-healing wounds, diabetic wounds, and tissue damaged by radiation therapy. It stimulates new blood vessel growth, reduces swelling, and aids in the removal of harmful substances like carbon monoxide. Treatment typically lasts two hours per session, with 30-40 sessions often required. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health emphasizes a team approach, collaborating with referring physicians to provide comprehensive wound care. They offer specialized wound care clinics throughout Washington state. The center also contributes to research on carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and radiation's adverse effects. For referring physicians, VMFH provides resources and a referral request form to ensure coordinated patient care. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health achieved a medical first by successfully combining Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to save a critically ill patient. This pioneering approach highlights the center's dedication to innovation and patient-centered care.