The FDA and Medicare Approve Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Failing Grafts and Flaps
Numerous studies conducted over the last twenty years show that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) supports the healing of failing or compromised grafts and flaps, even those with underlying complications, such as radiation injuries, tissue or bone infection and diabetes.
Are you a Patient? View Patient version of this page
Numerous studies conducted over the last twenty years show that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) supports the healing of failing or compromised grafts and flaps, even those with underlying complications, such as radiation injuries, tissue or bone infection and diabetes.
Are you a Patient? View Patient version of this page
How Hyperbarics Helps
Increases flap and graft salvage rates
Stimulates angiogenesis
Speeds surgical repair
Increases tissue oxygenation by 1,200%
Speeds ischemic tissue survival
Up-regulates growth factors
Stimulates stem-cell reproduction & mobilization
Our Provider partners have referred hundreds of patients to us for failing grafts and flaps, of which we have seen a higher than 90% success rate
You know well that grafts and flaps are a necessity in reconstructive surgeries to replace or repair damaged tissues. However, we also know these grafts or flaps at times fail to heal properly, leading to complications such as infection, tissue death, and impaired blood flow.
Fortunately, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is approved by Medicare and many private insurance companies, such as Kaiser and Blue shield, to heal compromised or failing grafts and flaps.
Mechanisms of healing:
- Angiogenesis: One of the main mechanisms of action of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the stimulation of angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels. Oxygen is essential for the process of angiogenesis, as it is required for the growth and maintenance of new blood vessels. HBOT increases the delivery of oxygen to the damaged tissues, which stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and improves blood flow to the area.
- Increases oxygen by 1,200%: In addition to promoting angiogenesis, HBOT also increases the availability of oxygen to the cells in the area, which enhances the cells' ability to function properly and aids in the healing process. Oxygen is essential for the production of ATP, the energy source for cellular metabolism. By increasing the availability of oxygen, HBOT increases ATP production and helps cells function more efficiently.
- Anti-inflammatory: HBOT also has anti-inflammatory effects that can be beneficial in the healing of compromised or failing grafts and flaps. Inflammation is a natural response to injury, but excessive inflammation can impair the healing process and lead to tissue damage. HBOT reduces inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- Enhances immune system: Finally, HBOT has been shown to enhance the immune system's ability to fight infection. HBOT increases the production of white blood cells, which are essential for the immune response. By enhancing the immune system's ability to fight infection, HBOT can reduce the risk of infection in compromised or failing grafts and flaps.
There have been numerous studies investigating the use of HBOT in the treatment of compromised or failing grafts and flaps. For example, a study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery found that patients who received HBOT after undergoing free flap surgery had significantly better outcomes than those who did not receive HBOT. The HBOT group had a significantly lower rate of flap loss and a significantly higher rate of complete flap survival.
Another study published in the journal Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine found that HBOT was effective in treating compromised skin grafts in patients with diabetes. The study found that patients who received HBOT had significantly better healing outcomes than those who did not receive HBOT.
As a physician, if you encounter patients who have experienced complications with grafts and flaps, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a valuable tool in your treatment arsenal. Providers who refer patients to us typically have a higher patient satisfaction score than those who do not. Feel free to give us a call or note the patient referral form below.
Hyperbaric Therapy for Skin Grafts and Flaps
Mark W. Jones, Jeffrey S. Cooper, October, 2022
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help maximize the viability of compromised tissue, thereby reducing the need for regrafting or repeat flap procedures.
Hyperbaric Therapy for Skin Grafts and Flaps
Mark W. Jones, Jeffrey S. Cooper, October, 2022
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470219/
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the Compromised Graft or Flap
Ashish Francis, Richard C. Baynosa, 2017 Jan 1;6(1):23-32. doi: 10.1089/wound.2016.0707
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the Compromised Graft or Flap
Ashish Francis, Richard C. Baynosa, 2017 Jan 1;6(1):23-32. doi: 10.1089/wound.2016.0707
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase the likelihood and effective size of composite graft survival, improve skin graft outcomes, and enhance flap survival.
The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on compromised grafts and flaps
Shawna Kleban, Richard C. Baynosa, Undersea Hyperb Med . 2020 Fourth Quarter;47(4):635-648. doi: 10.22462/10.12.2020.13.
The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on compromised grafts and flaps
Shawna Kleban, Richard C. Baynosa, Undersea Hyperb Med . 2020 Fourth Quarter;47(4):635-648. doi: 10.22462/10.12.2020.13.
HBOT enhances graft and flap survival by decreasing the hypoxic insult, enhancing fibroblast function and collagen synthesis, stimulating angiogenesis and inhibiting ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Patient Experiences
Bay Area Hyperbarics has healed hundreds of patients with stubborn and non-healing wounds over the last 20 years.
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David, 64
A wound on his leg, with a skin graft, would not heal. After HBOT, the wound closed.
David, a retired software project manager, had a 100% arterial occlusion for which he received an arterial stint. When a 2 1/2 inch diameter wound on his right leg with a graft wouldn’t heal, he came to HBOT. After receiving his prescribed HBOT sessions, the wound closed, and he was able to resume his typical activities.
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Amita, 22
Gangrene on her foot would not heal. HBOT prevented amputation.
Amita was an active hiker, but because of gangrene, lost all the toes on her right foot. Unfortunately, the surgical wound from the amputation would not heal , and her doctors were planning to amputate her foot.After a series of HBOT sessions, her wound healed up. A year later when we checked in with Amita, the wound was still healed.
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John, 72
Had skin grafts that had trouble healing. HBOT helped the threatened grafts heal.
John had compartment syndrome and infections after having received multiple surgeries over 6 months. He also had a failed graft. John’s doctor sent him to HBOT to prepare him for a new graft, which was successful. After applying the new graft, John’s doctor sent him back to HBOT to help the new (threatened) graft heal. In the end, John’s grafts all healed.
Physicians: Refer a Patient
Refer a patient in three easy steps.
1
You Submit Your Patient’s Information
As a provider, your office fills out and faxes back the Patient Referral Form. Have questions? Call us!
2
We Get Authorizations
We ensure the patient understands the treatment and follows the prescribed protocol to get the patient on the road to recovery!
3
Patient Starts HBOT
Our medical staff meets with the patient to ensure that HBOT treatment is appropriate and contacts Medicare or private insurance to receive authorization.
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Still looking for answers?
We're here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help you.
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What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats medical conditions with 100% oxygen in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber. The patient lies or sits in the chamber. The oxygen then saturates the plasma in the blood, allowing oxygen to easily flow throughout the body and reach even areas that are injured or diseased, which typically receive less oxygen. The mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include stimulating and mobilizing stem cells, down-regulating inflammatory genes, up-regulating reproductive cells and stimulating DNA. HBOT also regrows tiny blood vessels, and stimulates the growth of new healthy cells in the brain, bones, skin, organs, and tissues. People seek hyperbaric oxygen therapy to heal physical damage in their bodies and to promoting health and anti-aging.
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What does HBOT feel like?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a painless, noninvasive therapy. Our patients often tell us they don't notice the pressure change, except for a bit in their ears. Specifically, some feel a bit of pressure in their ears, like when they take off in an airplane. It feels like their ears are 'popping'. After a treatment, some patients say they can think more clearly and that they have more energy. If there has been pain from swelling or impinged nerves, patients often comment on the pain relief, plus increased strength and range of motion after their treatments.
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Is HBOT safe?
Overall, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe. However, as with any medical therapy, there can be risks. Any risks should be reviewed with you prior to your treatment, at the time your provider goes over your health history with you, and during your intake at the clinic. All clinics are constructed with approval of the local fire marshal and building inspectors to ensure that they comply with all relevant safety codes. Bay Area Hyperbarics has an outstanding safety record for our 21 years serving our community.
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How do I prepare for HBOT?
We make preparing for a hyperbaric oxygen therapy easy. Before the first treatment, we take the time to answer all of your questions in detail. The patient’s healthcare provider reviews their history and condition. For example, depending on your condition, you may be asked to eat before your treatment. Preparing for HBOT is just as individualized as the therapy. In most cases, it’s as easy as changing into the clothing we provide you. Call us with any questions you have. We are more than happy to answer all of your questions, even if you are not a current patient.
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Will my insurance cover HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven to help with numerous medical conditions. Each insurance company decides what’s covered and what's not. That said, HBOT is covered by Medicare, Kaiser, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, United Health Care and many other insurances. Coverage is based on the diagnosis. We also take people with conditions that are not covered by their insurance, but whose problem can greatly improve with HBOT. Call us! We are more than happy to look at your personal situation and do the insurance work for you.
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