What effect does hyperbaric oxygenation have on chronic wounds?

Hyperbaric oxygenation primarily increases the ability of blood to carry oxygen and restores cells that may be compromised due to insufficient oxygen supply. By utilizing high-pressure oxygen in a controlled environment, hyperbaric therapy allows for a greater diffusion of oxygen into the tissues, which is particularly beneficial for healing chronic wounds that often suffer from areas with poor blood flow and oxygenation.

The increased availability of oxygen facilitates cellular functions critical for wound healing, including the reduction of infection, promotion of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and support for the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes—cells essential for tissue repair. Adequate oxygen levels enhance metabolic processes that contribute to the overall healing environment, making it a vital component of treatment for chronic wounds.

While the other options address various aspects of healing and wound management, they do not encapsulate the primary mechanism through which hyperbaric oxygenation operates effectively in promoting chronic wound healing.