TOPICAL HYPERBARIC OXYGEN TREATMENT OF PRESSURE SORES AND SKIN ULCERS

Boguslav H. Fischer, Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine,
New York University Medical Center
New York, New York

The Lancet, August 23, 1969

Abstract
Hyperbaric oxygen was used topically to treat pressure sores and skin ulcers. Specially constructed devices equipped with controlled pressure sealings and automatic relief valves were used. A constant pressure of 22mm. Hg (1-03 atmospheres absolute) was maintained inside the chamber using pure oxygen at a flow-rate of 2-8 litres per minute with direct discharge to atmosphere. Bacterial growth was suppressed, grnulation was enhanced, and epithelium formed. Vasculatrisation seemed to be important to success. Topical hyperbaric oxygen treatment was tolerated well. It shortened the healing-time and was also useful in the preparation for plastic surgery repair. No adverse reactions were noted. 52 patients were treated successfully; 6 others, with bilateral lesions, took part in a controlled trial of hyperbaric oxygen; and there were 6 failures (4 with an underlying osteomyelitic lesion).