Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Chronic Wound Healing
What Are Chronic Wounds?
Chronic wounds are injuries that fail to progress through the normal stages of healing within
expected time frames (typically 30 days). They include:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Pressure (decubitus) ulcers
- Venous stasis ulcers
- Non-healing surgical or traumatic wounds
- Radiation-induced skin breakdown
Why HBOT Helps Chronic Wounds
HBOT delivers 100% oxygen at elevated pressures, increasing oxygen dissolved in plasma. This
super-oxygenation jump-starts healing in hypoxic wound beds by:
- Enhancing Angiogenesis: Stimulates new capillary growth to restore blood flow.
- Boosting Fibroblast Activity: Accelerates collagen synthesis and tissue repair.
- Reducing Edema: Pressure reduces swelling, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery.
- Improving Immune Function: Increases white blood cell efficiency to fight infection.
- Promoting Growth Factors: Stimulates VEGF and other growth factors essential for healing.
Clinical Protocols & Evidence
Recognized by the FDA and UHMS for “Enhancement of Healing in Selected Problem Wounds,” typical protocols:
- Pressure: 2.0 – 2.5 ATA (30 – 50 ft equivalent)
- Session Duration: 90 – 120 minutes
- Frequency: Daily (5 – 7 sessions per week)
- Total Treatments: 20 – 40 sessions
Clinical studies report healing rates up to 80% in diabetic foot ulcers and significant improvements
in venous and pressure ulcers when combined with standard wound care.
Who Should Consider HBOT?
- Patients with diabetic, venous, or pressure ulcers unresponsive to conventional therapy
- Individuals with post-surgical or traumatic wounds showing delayed healing
- Those with chronic radiation wounds or skin breakdown
- Anyone seeking to reduce amputation risk and improve wound closure rates
*All hyperbaric oxygen treatments should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified hyperbaric medicine physician.
Consult your healthcare provider to determine if HBOT is appropriate for your wound care plan.
