What are the physiological mechanisms of action caused by HBOT that make it work?
Hyperoxygenation: HBOT physically dissolves extra oxygen into the blood plasma, which is then delivered to the tissues. Breathing pure oxygen at two to three times normal pressure delivers 10-15 times as much physically dissolved oxygen to tissues. This can increase the tissue oxygen in compromised tissues to greater-than-normal values. Hyperoxygenation has been demonstrated to induce formation of new capillaries in ischemic or poorly perfused wounds. Therefore, it is useful in the treatment of ischemic based compromised wounds, flaps and grafts. It is also helpful in some infections by allowing white cell (leukocytic) activity to resume function. Mechanical Effect of Increased Pressure: Any gas in the body will decrease in volume as the pressure on it increases. With a threefold increase in pressure, a bubble trapped in the body is reduced by two-thirds. Thus, reduction in gas volume resolves air embolism and decompression illness when the diagnosis to treatment is done in a timely ma
