Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT ) is a promising treatment for non-healing wounds, offering hope for patients who have not responded to conventional therapies. This treatment involves patients breathing almost 100 per cent oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure.
HBOT works by dramatically increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, which can then be delivered to oxygen-starved tissues. This flood of oxygen helps break the cycle of swelling, oxygen deprivation, and tissue death that often characterizes non-healing wounds. The increased oxygen levels promote several healing processes:
1. Stimulation of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation ).
2. Enhanced fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.
3. Improved immune function and bacterial killing.
4. Reduced inflammation and oedema.
HBOT is typically used as an adjunct to standard wound care protocols, not as a primary treatment. It is most effective when introduced after conventional therapies have been exhausted, but before more invasive procedures like amputation are considered. The treatment usually involves multiple sessions, with patients receiving HBOT for 60 minutes per session, five times a week until the wound shows significant improvement or heals completely.
While HBOT has shown promise, it's important to note that its efficacy can vary depending on factors such as wound type, duration, and underlying health conditions. Therefore, careful patient selection and timing of treatment initiation are crucial for maximising the benefits of HBOT in non-healing wound management.
