EDITOR’S NOTE: Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in HEALTHWISE MAUI, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.

Q: What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how is it used for wound healing?

Dr. James R. Williams, Infectious Disease, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in an environment where the air pressure is two or three times higher than normal. It is used to treat a number of medical conditions, including non-healing wounds.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by increasing the amount of oxygen in your blood. Oxygen promotes wound healing by causing your body to produce more growth factors and stem cells to repair tissue. It also helps fight bacteria. The pressurized environment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy allows your blood to absorb much more oxygen than normal.

It can be used to support the healing of a variety of wounds, including diabetes wounds, radiation injuries, burns, infections, and skin grafts.

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown before your treatment. For your safety, you should not wear cosmetics, perfumes, hair products, deodorant, wigs, jewelry, or electronic devices during treatment. Avoid drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages for four hours before your session.

Treatment typically takes place five days a week for four to six weeks, and each session lasts about two hours. The technician will ask you to relax and breathe deeply, and your ears may pop. You will be able to watch TV or take a nap during treatment. After your session is complete, the technician will safely and gradually depressurize the chamber.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a well-established treatment, and side effects are rare. However, some people with severe heart problems may not be able to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, so talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have to make sure treatment is safe for you.

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s wound care clinic offers two state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers and is staffed by highly skilled clinicians who are dedicated to wound care. The wound center’s team has earned national recognition for clinical distinctions and patient satisfaction each year since its opening and has a true passion for helping patients heal. For more information, please call (808) 986-4500 or visit mauihealth.org/woundcare.

Q: Can I get an MRI if I have a tattoo?

Dr. Rosaleen Parsons, FACR, FSAR, Chair of Radiology, Maui Health: MRIs are an extremely safe technology, but they can sometimes interact with tattoo ink. While people with tattoos can safely undergo an MRI, in rare cases, it may cause some discomfort or interfere with the scan.

MRIs use radio waves and powerful magnets to create images of organs and tissues inside your body. Some tattoos may use ink that contains tiny metal particles, which can potentially be affected by the magnetism of an MRI.

Side effects can include irritation, heat, burning, or a “pulling” sensation. Metal in tattoo ink can also block the scan, causing the area to appear as a black spot on the image.

While side effects are possible, they are rare. Studies have found that fewer than 1% of people with tattoos feel discomfort during an MRI. Having more tattoos makes it more likely that you will feel side effects.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo, you can reduce your risk of discomfort by going to a reputable tattoo artist that uses high-quality ink and getting a smaller tattoo. If you already have tattoos, talk with your doctor about reducing potential irritation. If you feel discomfort during the scan, let the technician know, and they can work with you to find a way to finish the scan while minimizing side effects.

Getting an MRI is safe and can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition, so if you have a tattoo, don’t let it stop you from getting the care you need.

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s Imaging Department offers a full range of services with advanced imaging technology, including the most powerful MRI machine available for clinical use. Learn more about our services at mauihealth.org/imaging.

n Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.