What are the Beneficial Mechanisms of HBOT?

Many beneficial mechanisms are associated with the prescribed use of HBOT. Either alone, or in combination with other procedures, these mechanisms serve to enhance the healing process.

Antimicrobial Activity

• Toxin inhibition and toxin inactivation
• Enhances phagocytosis and white cell oxidative killing
• Enhanced aminoglycocide activity
• Prolongs post-antibiotic effect

Attenuation of Reperfusion Injury

• Reduces the indirect component of injury
• Prevents activation of leukocyte receptor
• Preservation of marginal tissues

Direct Pressure

• Reduce volume of intravascular or other free gas (bubble-size reduction)

Hyperoxygenation

• Immediate support to poorly perfused tissue
• A 10-15 fold increase in plasma oxygen concentration
• A four-fold increase in the diffusing oxygen
• Maintain tissue viability until corrective intervention

Neovascularization

• Enhanced fibroblast division
• Neoformation of collagen
• Capillary angiogenesis

Vasoconstriction

• Occurs without component hypoxia
• Reduces interstitial edema
• Decreases fluid resuscitation requirements