Hyperbaric oxygen as an intervention for managing wound hypoxia: its role and usefulness in diabetic foot wounds.
Few topics in diabetic wound management generate as much "heated" discussion as hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Hyperbaric oxygen is an intermittent inhalation therapy in which the patient breathes oxygen at greater than 1 atm of pressure. This requires placement of the patient into a sealed vessel (chamber) which is capable of withstanding pressurization. This article discusses the role of HBO as an adjunct to the management of diabetic problem foot wounds from evidenced-based, approved (by Medicare) indications and cost-effectiveness perspectives.
Strauss
Michael B
MB
Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, 2801 Atlantic Avenue, PO Box 1428, Long Beach, CA 90801-1428, USA. mstrauss@memorialcare.org
D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*