Vascular Problems
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral Vascular Disease is an ischemic disease of the extremities, mainly legs. Poor blood supply (ischemia) results in a reduced oxygen supply (hypoxia) and retention of waste products of tissue metabolism. As the result of those effects, swelling may occur which will further compresses capillaries and compromise capillary blood circulation or so called microcirculation. Poor blood flow, combined with swelling will cause damage of blood vessels (varicose veins) and damage of peripheral nerves and loss of sensitivity or so called neuropathy. Sensory loss and ischemia are leading causes of infection and wound development.
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy promotes capillary growth for better blood and lymphatic circulation and oxygenation. Hyperbaric oxygen is a natural antibiotic. (in blue box)
Non-healing wounds may lead to the gangrene of the limb. If left untreated, gangrene progresses to the bone causing bone infection or osteomyelitis and the amputation of extremity (partial or complete) may be unavoidable.
Benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in PVD:
- HBO relieves pain
- HBO reduces swelling and inflammation
- HBO improves sensitivity and reduces numbness – neuropathy
- HBO triggers new capillary formation for improved local circulation and blood supply
- HBO improves quality of blood and prevents blood clotting and chances of thrombosis
- HBO eliminates toxic substances that were accumulated due to poor circulation and hypoxia
- HBO enhances immune system response and increases the effect of antibiotics
- HBO prevents and reduces infection rate
- HBO reduces incidence of ulcer development
- HBO stimulates production of stem cells
When wounds are developed, HBO is beneficial to:
- stop further tissue damage
- provide optimal oxygen environment for all phases of wound closure
- promote new tissue growth and fast wound closure
- prevent excessive scar formation (caused by slow healing)
- prepare a host for skin grafting and increase chances of graft survival
- prevent/stop infection
Treatment protocol for hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
Medical hyperbaric oxygen sessions are two hours long at depth of 2.4 to 2.8 ATA of pure oxygen pressure. At BaroMedical HBO sessions are given in mono-place chambers for better monitoring, comfort and safety. Number of HBO sessions needed depend on the seriousness of the condition and can be determined upon evaluation of the microcirculation. At BaroMedical, the screening of the clients and the progress of the therapy are monitored with most advanced equipment: Laser Doppler blood flow, tissue oxygen monitor and digital camera.
