Mechanism
Hyperoxygenation & Vasoconstriction
Hyperoxygenation is HBOT's most immediate effect: breathing 100% oxygen under pressure dissolves far more oxygen directly into blood plasma, reversing tissue hypoxia even where red-cell delivery is impaired. A paradoxical vasoconstriction reduces swelling while net oxygen delivery rises — the basis for treating ischaemia and crush injury.
Detailed mechanism
At 3.0 ATA breathing 100% oxygen, dissolved plasma oxygen increases by approximately 42%, providing sufficient oxygen to sustain cellular respiration even in the absence of hemoglobin. This is particularly beneficial in compartment syndrome and traumatic brain injury.
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