The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Ambulatory Vascular Center
Advancements In the Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease & Other Arterial Insufficiencies
PAD is also the major contributor to amputations of the lower extremities, affecting nearly 20 million Americans each year, however, hope can be found with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) as an adjunct therapy for treating arterial inefficiencies. With HBOT, inflammation is decreased, new blood vessels form to boost blood flow, and in many instances, atherosclerosis is reversed, enabling the restoration of normal blood flow. HBOT heals oxygen-depleted tissue by blanketing it with greater oxygen levels, ultimately boosting cell repair. Additionally, HBOT boosts the circulation of stem cells that target damaged cells.
What Are the Specific Benefits to PAD Patients?
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a plaque-induced narrowing of the arteries. Which can reduce the blood supply to the lower extremities and cause additional complication for the patient.
In some circumstances, reduced blood flow and diabetic neuropathy may be a fatal combination that develops with persistent sores in the lower limbs, particularly the feet. As a results, non-healing foot and lower leg lesions may result in avoidable, unneeded amputations.
HBOT is a successful therapy for treating chronic wounds in the lower extremities and avoiding amputations of the foot, and is one of the most efficient, non-invasive, and CMS-approved therapies for patients with PAD-related chronic lower extremity wounds..
In fact, treating PAD early helps avoid or repair persistent wounds that might lead to amputation!
Juan O Bravo, MD, CWSP, UHM
CutisCare Medical Advisory Board and Chairman
"The successful treatment of problem wounds, like Peripheral Arterial Disease and other arterial insufficiencies, require an integrated team strategy that includes surgery, antibiotics, and other adjuvant therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen when appropriate. When doing so we see a dramatic reduction in amputation rates and significant improvements to the patient's overall quality of life."
Save a Leg, Save A Life Foundation
Awareness is the key to saving lives and organizations like the Save A Leg, Save A Life Foundation (SALSAL) work diligently to educate healthcare practitioners and patients about the many life-saving treatment options available to help reduce the number of lower extremity amputations.
This September join us in helping with this mission by participating in SALSAL's flagship White Sock Campaign, to show your solidarity with our wound care patients & share your message on social media.
