Enhanced Healing in Selected Problem Wounds

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been accepted as an adjunctive modality for compromised wounds.  These wounds are usually located in the extremities and have failed to respond to established medical/surgical therapy.  Compromised wounds include diabetic feet, amputation sites, non-healing traumatic wounds and vascular insufficiency ulcers. 

Acute Gas Embolism Decompression Sickness
Acute gas embolism (AGE) is well known as a complication of scuba diving, but they may be more prevalent from other causes.  The appearance of new neurologic findings after invasive procedures, surgery or traumatic injury should alert to the possibility of AGE

Radiation Tissue Necrosis
Within 6-18 months following radiation therapy, progressive sclerosis of the vessels in the radiated area causes tissue ischemia and fibrosis.  This can occur in areas of skin overlying the tumor, damage to the organs in the radiated area (bladder, vagina, proctitis, enteritis), and bone.

Osteomyelitis (Refractory)
In osteomyelitis that is refractory to antibiotics and debridement, hyperbaric oxygen is beneficial as an adjunctive therapy.  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered in any case of osteomyelitis that has failed at least six months of conventional therapy.

Other Traumatic Ischemias
Acute crush injury and trauma may cause severe edema and ischemia. This increases the risk of tissue necrosis, infection, non-healing wounds and amputation.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shortens the serum half life of carboxyhemoglobin and provides immediate oxygenation to the tissues.  Early application may reduce the lipid peroxidation which may accompany reoxygenation of tissues after CO poisoning.

Gas Gangrene / Necrotizing Infections
For both clostridial and non-clostridial necrotizing infections the preferred treatment is a combination of hyperbaric oxygen, surgery and antibiotics. Envenomation of man by spider, insect or reptile bites may lead to a wide range of clinical responses, minor to death.

Grafts, Flaps & Reattachments
Hyperbaric oxygen can maximize the tissue viability of compromised skin grafts and flaps.  Reattachments of a digit or limb can be enhanced by hyperoxygenation of the tissue, edema reduction and venous drainage.

Other Treatment Conditions
   Exceptional Blood Loss Anemia
   CNS Ischemia/Injury
   Thermal Burns
   Immune Disorders
   Myocardial Infarction