Hyperbaric chambers may serve as an important treatment regimen especially for non-healing wounds like diabetic foot ulcers and more. In this article, we would study how hyperbaric chambers may promote wound healing and their safety.

Does hyperbaric chamber promote wound healing?

Yes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) plays a crucial role in wound healing by facilitating the delivery of oxygen-rich plasma to tissues that are deprived of adequate oxygenation. When injuries occur, they often damage the body’s blood vessels, leading to the leakage of fluid into surrounding tissues and subsequent swelling. This swelling worsens the problem by further depriving damaged cells of oxygen, initiating series of tissue damage and cell death. HBOT counteracts this process by saturating the bloodstream with high levels of oxygen under increased pressure, allowing oxygen to penetrate deep into the affected tissues. As a result, cellular metabolism is enhanced, oxidative stress is reduced, and the body’s natural healing mechanisms are stimulated. By promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and optimizing cellular function, HBOT accelerates the healing process, facilitates tissue repair, and improves overall wound outcomes.

Benefits of hyperbaric chamber for wound healing?

Hyperbaric chamber therapy (HBOT) offers several notable benefits for wound healing, making it a valuable adjunctive treatment in various clinical scenarios. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Enhanced Oxygenation: HBOT increases the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream and tissues, delivering oxygen-rich plasma to the wound site. This promotes cellular metabolism, energy production, and the synthesis of collagen and other proteins necessary for tissue repair.
2. Promotion of Angiogenesis: HBOT stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in the wound area, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the damaged tissue. Enhanced vascularization supports tissue regeneration, accelerates healing, and reduces the risk of wound complications.
3. Reduced Inflammation: HBOT has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to mitigate swelling, edema, and inflammation in the wound. By modulating the inflammatory response, HBOT creates a more favorable environment for tissue repair and minimizes tissue damage.
4. Antimicrobial Action: HBOT creates an oxygen-rich environment that inhibits the growth of anaerobic bacteria and enhances the activity of white blood cells involved in the immune response. This antimicrobial effect helps prevent wound infection and facilitates the clearance of pathogens from the wound site.
5. Faster Healing: By optimizing cellular function, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing healing time, HBOT accelerates the overall wound healing process. Patients undergoing HBOT may experience faster closure of wounds, improved cosmetic outcomes, and reduced risk of complications.
6. Managing Complex Wounds: HBOT is particularly beneficial for managing complex or non-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and radiation-induced injuries. HBOT can address underlying tissue hypoxia, promote granulation tissue formation, and enhance overall wound bed preparation for surgical intervention or advanced wound therapies.
7. Adjunctive Therapy: HBOT can be used as an adjunctive treatment alongside standard wound care interventions, such as debridement, dressings, and offloading. Integrating HBOT into a comprehensive wound management plan enhances treatment efficacy, improves wound outcomes, and enhances patient quality of life.

Side effects of hyperbaric chamber for wound healing

While hyperbaric chamber therapy (HBOT) is generally considered safe when administered by trained healthcare professionals, there are potential side effects and risks associated with the treatment. Some of the side effects of hyperbaric chamber therapy for wound healing may include:

1. Barotrauma: Changes in pressure during hyperbaric chamber sessions can cause barotrauma, particularly affecting the ears, sinuses, and lungs. This may result in ear pain, discomfort, or damage to the eardrum, as well as lung expansion injuries. Patients with pre-existing ear or sinus conditions may be at increased risk of barotrauma.
2. Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing high levels of oxygen under pressure for extended periods can lead to oxygen toxicity. Symptoms may include respiratory distress, difficulty breathing, seizures, or collapse. Patients with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may be at increased risk of oxygen toxicity.
3. Claustrophobia or Anxiety: Some patients may experience feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety while inside the hyperbaric chamber, especially if they are enclosed in a confined space for an extended period. Claustrophobia can lead to discomfort, agitation, or panic attacks during treatment.
4. Fatigue: Hyperbaric chamber therapy may cause fatigue or drowsiness in some patients, especially if they are undergoing multiple treatments or have underlying health conditions. Patients are advised to rest and hydrate adequately after treatment to minimize fatigue.
5. Temporary Vision Changes: Hyperbaric chamber therapy can cause temporary changes in vision due to changes in eye pressure. Patients may experience blurred vision, visual disturbances, or difficulty focusing during or after treatment. These vision changes typically resolve once treatment is completed, but patients should report any persistent or severe vision problems to their healthcare provider.
6. Seizures: In rare cases, hyperbaric chamber therapy may trigger seizures in susceptible individuals, particularly those with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders. Patients with a history of seizures should inform their healthcare providers before undergoing HBOT.
7. Nausea or Vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea or vomiting during or after hyperbaric chamber sessions, particularly those who are prone to motion sickness or have a sensitive stomach. Patients are advised to avoid eating heavy meals before treatment and to inform their healthcare providers of any history of nausea or vomiting.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Capó, X., Batle, J. M., Tur, J. A., Pons, A., Sureda, A., & Tejada, S. (2022). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases Growth Factors Favouring the Healing Process of Diabetic Wounds. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(8), 7040. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087040

Broussard, C. L. (2004). Hyperbaric oxygenation and wound healing. Journal of Vascular Nursing, 22(2), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvn.2004.03.001

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-wound-healing. Accessed 2/20/2024

Bhutani, S., & Vishwanath, G. (2012). Hyperbaric oxygen and wound healing. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India, 45(2), 316-324. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0358.101309