Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic ischemia

Globally, more than 5 million patients suffer from traumatic ischemia each year due to traffic accidents, work-related injuries, and war injuries, and 30% of them face eventual amputation or even death due to tissue necrosis triggered by hypoxia. Traditional treatment relies on surgical debridement and antibiotics, but in areas of severe ischemia, drugs are difficult to penetrate, and the hypoxic microenvironment continues to deteriorate.

“The doctor told me that if I delayed for another week, I might not be able to save this leg.” A patient with a crush injury to the lower extremity from a car accident recalled. What ultimately changed the outcome was hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is known as the “nemesis of hypoxia”.

What is traumatic ischemia?

Traumatic ischemia is a pathological condition in which blood vessels are ruptured or blood flow is blocked due to severe trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls, stab wounds, explosions, etc.), resulting in insufficient blood supply to tissues or organs and limited oxygen supply. The longer the duration of ischemia, the higher the risk of tissue necrosis, which is commonly seen in extremities, soft tissue, and vital organ injuries, and is a common but serious clinical complication.

Challenges in treating traumatic ischemia

In treating traumatic ischemia, physicians need to rapidly restore blood supply to damaged tissues to prevent tissue necrosis and loss of function. However, this process faces multiple challenges, including:

Untimely or incomplete re-establishment of blood flow

Inflammatory response triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injury

Increased risk of infection, especially in open wounds

Slow tissue repair and difficulty in healing

Amputation of a limb, which in severe cases may be necessary and even life-threatening

Principles and Mechanisms of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) improves tissue hypoxia, elevates blood oxygen levels, promotes repair and regulates inflammatory responses by inhaling pure oxygen or highly concentrated oxygen under high air pressure, using physical and physiological principles.

Mechanism of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy enhances the blood oxygen level and enables it to diffuse to the ischemic area quickly.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy stimulates the regeneration of blood vessels.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy reduces the oedema of human tissues.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy inhibits the propagation of bacteria and promotes the rapid healing of wounds.

The Importance of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Adjunctive Treatment

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a noninvasive adjuvant therapy, and with the advancement of medical technology, it has become increasingly important in the treatment of traumatic ischemia. By inhaling high oxygen concentrations in a high-pressure environment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can significantly increase blood oxygen levels, promote oxygenation and repair of ischemic tissues, reduce inflammatory reactions, accelerate wound healing, and help prevent infection. Therefore, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is becoming an important adjunctive option for the treatment of traumatic ischemia, providing more hope for patient recovery.

In an oxygen chamber at 2-2.5 times atmospheric pressure (ATA), patients inhale 100% pure oxygen to achieve triple repair:

1. Physically elevate oxygen concentration

Plasma dissolved oxygen is increased 10-15 times and diffuses directly into ischemic tissues (even if blood vessels are blocked)

Experiments show that HBOT can increase the partial pressure of oxygen at the edge of the wound from 5- 10 mmHg to 200- 400 mmHg

2. Activate cellular repair program

Stimulate the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promote capillary neovascularization

Up-regulate superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduce oxidative damage

3. Inhibit secondary damage

High-oxygen environment inhibits the propagation of anaerobic bacteria, such as Clostridium perfringens

Reduce leukocyte adhesion, reduce inflammatory storms.

Comparison of ordinary oxygen: normobaric oxygen only enhances the oxygen content of arterial blood, while HBOT forces oxygen to dissolve in body fluids through high pressure, with a penetration rate of more than 20 times that of ordinary oxygen.

Clinical Science Basis:

Traumatic ischemia (e.g., crush injuries, osteofascial compartment syndrome) is indeed listed as a Class I indication in the most recent version of the UHMS Indications Guidelines (2023).

"Crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemia are supported by Level 1 evidence for HBOT adjunctive therapy."

Conclusion: Choose a Reliable Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Manufacturer – Oxyair

As clinical evidence continues to validate the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating traumatic ischemia, having a dependable and medically certified HBOT device becomes essential.

Oxyair, a leading global manufacturer of hyperbaric oxygen chambers, specializes in producing high-quality, medical-grade chambers that meet international standards such as CE and ISO. With extensive experience serving hospitals, rehab centers, and wellness clinics worldwide, Oxyair is your trusted partner for safe and effective HBOT solutions.

Whether you are a medical facility, distributor, or wellness practitioner looking for advanced HBOT equipment, Oxyair offers customized, OEM/ODM-supported solutions to meet your needs.

Learn more about Oxyair hyperbaric chambers by visiting our official website or contacting our team for tailored recommendations.