Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates vascularization in keratinized oral mucosal surgical flaps

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wound Healing Research
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is recognized for its potential to promote vascular regeneration in wound healing.
• Oral mucosal surgical flaps present unique challenges for effective wound healing and vascularization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific role of HBOT in enhancing vascular regeneration within healing oral mucosal surgical flaps.
• To quantify the impact of HBOT on microcirculation in a rabbit model of oral mucosal wound healing.

Main Methods:

• A partial-thickness palatine mucosal flap was surgically created in 10 rabbits, divided into control and HBOT groups.
• Functional capillary density was assessed using sidestream dark-field video microscopy over 21 days.
• HBOT was administered for 10 sessions over 2 weeks at 2.5 atmospheres.

Main Results:

• A significant interaction between time and group (p < .0001) indicated differential effects of HBOT.
• The HBOT group exhibited a significant increase in microcirculation compared to the control group on days 7, 9, and 11.
• These findings demonstrate accelerated vascular regeneration in the HBOT-treated group.

Conclusions:

• HBOT effectively advances wound vascular regeneration in healing keratinized oral mucosal flaps.
• The study provides evidence supporting HBOT as a therapeutic strategy for improving oral wound healing.