FDA-Approved Conditions
Diabetic Wounds of the Lower Extremities
Diabetes often impacts the body’s ability to heal wounds. People with diabetes are unable to metabolize glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time this can cause the following:
Atherosclerosis (clogged vessels) in the lower extremities
Peripheral Neuropathy - damage through a complex series of events that causes a breakdown to the skin of the foot
Both of these wound-causing pathways prevent oxygen rich blood flow and nutrients, which are needed to heal the wound. As a result, even a small wound can heal more slowly and worsen more quickly for diabetics.
Although cuts, blisters and scratches can occur anywhere on the body, often the feet are most impacted. A small wound on the foot can quickly develop into a foot ulcer. If left untreated, serious damage can occur. In fact, 15% to 20% of patients with wounds on the lower extremities may require lower limb amputation within 5 years. Catching wound conditions early is critically important. We encourage patients to be committed to the healing process through regular self-checks, removing dead tissue, fresh dressings and seeking medical attention for additional treatment, when needed.
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HBOT has been shown to be an effective treatment for wound healing. This type of treatment can be used after 30 days of wound care treatment has stalled or resulted in non-progression of healing. HBOT increases oxygen levels in the plasma, bypassing blood, delivering more oxygen to the wound area to assist with tissue repair and healing. When tissue is damaged, it requires more oxygen than usual to survive. However, high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes damage blood vessels over time and cause a decrease of blood flow starve the body of needed oxygen. HBOT temporarily restores normal levels of oxygen in the blood which enhances tissue growth and stem cells. Utilizing regular HBOT treatments in conjunction with standard wound care therapy can help promote effective wound healing over time.
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Soft Tissue Radionecrosis
Soft tissue radionecrosis is a medical condition that occurs when exposure to radiation kills soft tissues in the body and tissue is unable to repair and regenerate normally. Most often this condition occurs after radiation therapy in and around the area where radiation is targeted. Injuries result from damaged capillary beds near the tumor treatment site. This reduced blood supply starves the damaged area of much needed oxygen. For wounds to heal properly, increased oxygen levels are necessary to promote healing and new growth.
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HBOT leads to growth of new blood vessels (re-vascularization) to promote healing. Which helps treat soft tissue radionecrosis by improving blood circulation and supplying a greater than normal amount of oxygen to the damaged tissue. This helps reduce scarring and increases stem cell activity. HBOT could also prevent damage of radiation treatment. Through an approved HBOT treatment plan, most patients with soft tissue radionecrosis due to chronic radiation will see dramatic improvement and some have even been cured.
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Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis
Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone. Infections can move into the bone a number of ways.
Injury: An injury that exposes the bone to germs, severe puncture wounds, or an exposed bone is a risk.
Surgery: Contamination of germs during surgery to replace joints or repair fractures can result in osteomyelitis.
Bloodstream: Germs in others parts of the body can travel through the bloodstream to weakened area of the bone.
Individuals with chronic health problems, such as diabetes or kidney failure, and smokers are at increased risk of osteomyelitis. Diabetic patients are prone to developing osteomyelitis in their feet as a result of foot ulcers.
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Infections in the bone are difficult to treat because of the lack of blood vessels and the inability for medicine to penetrate the bone. HBOT helps by:
• Preserving healthy bone
• Dissolving dead bone through supporting osteoclasts
• Creating new bone by stimulating osteoblasts
• Increasing white blood cells effectiveness to fight infection
• Promoting growth of new blood vessels to increase oxygen and nutrients
As a result, HBOT ensures that the impacted area receives a steady supply of what it needs to heal the infection itself, as well as protect from infection as a result of any surgical treatment. In addition, the increase in oxygen helps antibiotics perform more effectively.
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