GREENWICH, Conn. (April 12, 2010)—Greenwich Hospital has opened its Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Healing.

Located on the ground floor in the Helmsley Medical Building, the new facility provides two services—specialized wound care and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, with four examination rooms and a HBO Unit with two monoplace (single-person) hyperbaric chambers.

Sze Hoay Ding, MD, a physician board certified in internal medicine, serves as medical director. The team includes specially trained nurses certified in the latest wound healing protocols. Staff will evaluate patients and develop an individualized treatment plan, which could include HBO therapy, if warranted. The team works closely with referring physicians.

HBO therapy is an adjunct treatment used in conjunction with primary care. "We can assist a wide range of patients, including those with diabetic wounds who may have concerns about limb preservation," said Dr. Ding. "HBO therapy is used in the treatment of certain chronic wounds and infections that have not responded to conventional treatment." Patients eligible for HBO therapy include those with appropriate chronic wounds, bone tissue infections and the late effects of radiation.

During HBO therapy, patients breathe pure oxygen inside a hyperbaric chamber pressured to 2.5 times normal atmospheric pressure. This allows more oxygen to reach organs and tissues, which promotes the healing process. Patients can lie comfortably inside the chamber and listen to music, watch television or take a nap. Some patients may experience "popping" or fullness in the ears during treatment, similar to when flying in an airplane.

"The procedure is completely painless," noted Dr. Ding, "and has the potential to significantly enhance quality of life for patients."

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