Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and Wound Healing

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy clearly stated as a treatment mode in which the patient is completely enclosed in a pressure chamber breathing oxygen at a pressure greater than one atmosphere. Breathing 100% oxygen at one tmosphere or applying oxygen outside a pressurized chamber are not considered hyperbaric oxygen.

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber is a process in which only one patient is placed and pressurized oxygen is applied into the chamber. Access to the patient is made from he outside via ports and pass-through.

PRESSURE ULCER

In a hypoxic environment, wound healing is halted by decreased fibroblast proliferation collagen production, and capillary angiogenesis. Hypoxia also allows growth of anaerobic organisms, further complicating wound healing.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to increase in tissue oxygenation in the hypoperfused, infected wound. It influences the rate of collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and bacterial clearance in wounds. The greatest benefits are achieved in tissues with compromised blood flow and oxygen supply.   

Following wounds can be healed by H.B.O therapy-

1.Diabetic wounds--  

The increased wound oxygen tension achieved with HBO promotes wound healing, increases the host antimicrobial defenses and has a direct bacteriostatic effect on anaerobic microorganism.   

2.Venous stasis ulcers--

It is only indicated in highly selected patients in the preparation of a granulating bed over debrided venous ulcer for eventual skin grafting.

3. Pressure ulcers--

HBO therapy may be of benefit in selected cases, especially when a wound fails to heal despite maximum revascularization.   

4. Arterial insufficiency ulcers--                                                                                                                                       

HBO therapy may be of benefit in selected cases, especially when a wound fails to heal despite maximum revascularization 

 Treatments----                                                                               

HBO treatments are performed at 2.0 to 25 ATA for 90 to 120 minutes of oxygen breathing. The initial treatment schedule is dictated by the severity of the disease process. In the presence of limb-threatening infection after debridement or compromised surgical flaps following amputation the patient should be treated twice daily. When the infection is under control and the soft tissue envelope improves, once daily treatments are adequate.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and Wound Healing

PRESSURE ULCER