Considered mandatory for severe CO poisoning, HBOT mitigates tissue poisoning and significantly reduces permanent neurologic damage. HBOT also has a direct effect in reducing the toxicity of cyanide. When used in conjunction with surgery and antibiotics, HBOT significantly reduces morbidity and mortality. HBOT inhibits the production of lethal alpha-toxin produced by Clostridium perfringens. HBOT has been proven effective in promoting faster, more thorough healing of problem wounds.
Studies indicate it can decrease mortality by two-thirds.
In conjunction with surgical treatment, HBOT stimulates function capillary growth, fibroblastic proliferation and collagen synthesis in radiated bone and soft tissue. HBOT allows grafting of soft tissue or bone in previously irradiated tissue. As adjunct to standard burn treatment, HBOT helps maintain microvascular integrity, minimizes edema and provides the substrate necessary to maintain viability. With HBOT, mortality, hospital stay and grafting need are markedly reduced. When transfusion is refused by the patient, HBOT dissolves enough oxygen in the plasma of severely anemic patients to support basic metabolic needs until RBCs can be restored.