Skin grafts and tissue flaps are used to repair wounds or reconstruct tissue after injury or surgery. A graft or flap is compromised when its blood supply and oxygen delivery are insufficient, putting the transferred tissue at risk of failure.
HBOT may help salvage selected compromised grafts and flaps as an addition to surgical assessment and wound care. The immediate priority is to identify and correct causes such as a blocked or compressed blood vessel. HBOT is not routinely needed for healthy grafts or flaps. A clinical review describes potential benefits but also notes that much of the human evidence consists of case reports and case series. Early coordination with the operating surgeon is important.
Heat injuries that damage skin and deeper tissues, sometimes causing swelling, infection and circulation problems.
Poor arterial blood flow can cause hard-to-heal wounds or sudden loss of retinal circulation.
A rare condition in which small blood vessels calcify and clot, causing painful skin wounds and tissue damage.
Skin grafts or tissue flaps at risk of failure because of inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery.
Severe trauma can damage muscle and circulation, causing swelling, tissue injury and compartment syndrome.
A rapidly spreading bacterial infection that destroys muscle and soft tissue and requires emergency care.
A rare blood-vessel disorder causing painful leg ulcers, skin discoloration and characteristic scarring.
Rapidly spreading infections that destroy skin, fascia and other soft tissues and require emergency care.
Skin and tissue injuries caused by prolonged pressure or shear, especially in people with limited mobility.
A chronic immune-mediated skin condition causing inflamed, scaly plaques that may flare and remit.
A rare inflammatory skin disorder causing rapidly developing, painful ulcers, often on the legs.
Reactivation of the chickenpox virus causing a painful blistering rash and sometimes persistent nerve pain.
Severe reactions that cause widespread blistering, skin loss and injury to mucous membranes.
Chronic leg wounds caused by poor venous circulation, often with swelling and surrounding skin changes.
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