Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Fort Lauderdale

Dr. Villacorta, along with other wound care doctors, supervises the technicians and nurses performing the HBOT. Access to these advanced hyperbaric chambers requires that the indications being treated fall among a list of 15 approved by Medicare and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).

These indications include:

• Decompression sickness (DCS) – “the bends”
• Arterial gas embolism (AGE)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning (with or without cyanide poisoning)
• Clostridial myonecrosis (Gas gangrene)
• Crush injuries and compartment syndrome
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections
• Delayed radiation injuries (e.g., radiation cystitis, proctitis, osteoradionecrosis)
• Compromised skin grafts or flaps
• Acute traumatic ischemias (e.g., frostbite, severe burns)
• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
• Diabetic foot ulcers/Wagner grade 3 or higher
• Thermal burns
• Intracranial abscess
• Severe anemia (only when blood transfusion is not an option)
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Though some area doctors may be willing to use HBOT chambers at other hospitals or locations for trendy, off-label indications, we do not. Those off-label applications lack strong clinical evidence to back them, and therefore have more risk than reward.

Your HBOT in Fort Lauderdale delivers 100% oxygen at elevated atmospheric pressures, producing a range of powerful physiological effects.

These effects form the core therapeutic benefits that treat several medical issues.

• Increased Oxygen Delivery to Tissue
  HBOT dramatically boosts the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood plasma, allowing oxygen to reach damaged or oxygen-deprived tissues—even when blood flow is compromised.
• Accelerated Wound Healing
  The high-oxygen environment stimulates new blood vessel growth, supports tissue regeneration, and activates fibroblasts and collagen production, promoting faster healing of chronic and acute wounds.
• Infection Defense
  HBOT enhances white blood cell function, inhibits certain harmful bacteria (especially anaerobic organisms), and helps neutralize bacterial toxins, making it an effective adjunct for treating severe infections.
• Inflammation and Swelling Reduction
  Hyperbaric oxygen causes vasoconstriction in healthy tissues, reducing edema and inflammation without reducing oxygen supply. This is especially beneficial in treating crush injuries, burns, and compartment syndrome.
• Radiation Therapy Enhancement
  HBOT helps repair tissues damaged by radiation, promoting healing in conditions like osteoradionecrosis, radiation cystitis, and soft tissue radionecrosis.
• Damage Control for Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
  In injuries where blood supply is restored after a period of ischemia (like crush injuries or grafts), hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Fort Lauderdale can reduce secondary tissue damage by minimizing oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Improved Antibiotic Effectiveness
  Oxygen-rich environments can make certain antibiotics more effective and improve their penetration into infected tissues, especially in chronic infections like osteomyelitis.
• New Blood Vessel Growth Support (Angiogenesis)
  Repeated HBOT sessions stimulate angiogenesis—crucial for restoring circulation in compromised tissues such as chronic wounds or post-radiation injuries.
• Stem Cell Mobilization
  HBOT encourages the release of stem cells from bone marrow, aiding in tissue repair and regeneration throughout the body.
• Improved Oxygenation for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Severe Anemia
  In life-threatening situations like carbon monoxide poisoning or when blood transfusion isn’t an option, HBOT delivers life-sustaining oxygen directly via plasma, bypassing the need for red blood cells.

Galt Dermatology accepts Medicare for Wound Care and Dermatology services, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy when medically indicated.

Please note that our Concierge Medicine services remain outside of insurance coverage.

In addition, Broward Health Imperial Point may accept insurance for wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. When scheduling your appointment with them, their billing department can provide details regarding coverage and allowances.

Please review our policies for more information.

As with most medical therapies, HBOT’s increase in pressure, pure oxygen environment, and enclosed chamber can incur possible side effects.

• Ear pain (like when you dive into the deep end of a pool)
• Sinus pressure exhibiting increased drainage, nosebleeds, and/or pain
• Temporary changes in visual acuity
• Anxiety caused by the enclosed space

We will discuss other rarer side effects with you prior to any treatment.

Dr. Villacorta will help you make the best decisions for your concerns and ensure treatment aligns with your needs.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Fort Lauderdale may not be a suitable treatment for patients if they exhibit certain contraindications, including:

• Claustrophobia
• Untreated pneumothorax
• Active upper respiratory infection
• Chronic sinus condition
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Diabetes mellitus
• Congestive heart failure
• Recent thoracic surgery
• Fever
• COPD
• History of seizures

Other issues may preclude participation in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dr. Villacorta will review all of the possible contraindications so that you can enjoy safe treatment and excellent results.