Local Application of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Uncontrolled diabetes often leads to various complications, which can result in serious health problems such as diabetic retinopathy, kidney damage, neuropathy, heart disease, and poor wound healing. Foot ulcers are a common cause of hospitalization, and the healing process can take from several weeks to months. In diabetic patients, diabetic ulcers are managed through a combination of medical and surgical treatment and the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a supportive measure due to ischemia. Chronic wounds are often characterized by hypoxia, where oxygen levels at the center of the wound fall below the threshold necessary for proper tissue healing. This case study highlights the use of a continuous diffusion topical oxygen device for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds. After one month of surgical debridement and antimicrobial dressing, local hyperbaric oxygen therapy was initiated. On the seventh day of treatment, substantial granulation tissue was observed, although the edges of the wound appeared slightly macerated. For this reason, it was decided to apply the device for a maximum of four days. In the following days, the wound showed significant improvement, with 95% granulation after 21 days of therapy. By improving the local oxygen supply, the therapy appears to create a more favorable environment for cell regeneration and tissue repair, which could lead to better outcomes for the treatment of patients with diabetic ulcers.