Ischaemic wounds Brisbane
Traumatic ischaemic wounds are wounds that result from both injury and poor blood flow — a double hit that makes them especially hard to heal. At Wesley Hyperbaric, we see these often in patients with crush injuries, burns, or deep tissue trauma. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may offer a powerful boost to recovery when other treatments alone aren’t enough.
Scroll to the end for a detailed case study about a 76-year-old woman with a non-healing post-surgical wound. Please be advised: this section includes clinical photographs that some readers may find confronting.
Ischaemic wounds Brisbane
What are traumatic ischaemic wounds?
These types of wounds happen when an injury disrupts normal blood supply to an area of the body. Without proper blood flow, the tissue becomes ischaemic — meaning it’s starved of oxygen. This stops the body’s normal healing process, allowing infection and tissue death to set in.
They can happen in a variety of situations:
- Crush injuries (car accidents, industrial accidents)
- Deep lacerations with vessel damage
- Surgical wounds with impaired circulation
- Severe frostbite or burns
How common are traumatic ischaemic wounds?
While not as common as diabetic ulcers or venous leg ulcers, traumatic ischaemic wounds are serious and can be life-changing. They frequently occur in accident victims and patients with chronic vascular conditions. Left untreated, these wounds can lead to complications like infections, gangrene, or even amputations.
Standard treatments for traumatic wounds
Treatment for traumatic wounds often involves:
- Debridement – removing dead tissue
- Wound cleaning and dressings
Antibiotics – to manage or prevent infection - Surgery – in cases of deep tissue or bone involvement
- Vascular support – to restore some blood flow
But if the tissue is still oxygen-starved, even the best care may not be enough. That’s where hyperbaric oxygen therapy can make a difference.
How can hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) help?
HBOT works by delivering 100% oxygen under pressure in a specialised hyperbaric chamber. This super-oxygenated environment helps oxygen reach even the most damaged tissues — including areas where blood flow is restricted.
Why this matters:
- Oxygen is essential for white blood cells to kill bacteria and for cells to form new tissue
- Damaged blood vessels can’t deliver enough oxygen on their own
- HBOT gives your body the boost it needs to get the healing process back on track
Why is HBOT important for ischaemic wounds?
In traumatic wounds with ischaemia, the biggest problem is that the body simply can’t deliver oxygen where it’s needed most. HBOT gets around that by saturating the blood with oxygen, allowing it to diffuse directly into damaged tissue.
This may help:
- Reduce swelling and inflammation
- Fight infection more effectively
- Encourage new blood vessel growth
- Support collagen production and tissue repair
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one of the few treatments that can deliver oxygen directly into poorly perfused tissue — even when the circulation is compromised.
What does the research say?
HBOT is already widely used for treating non-healing wounds and radiation damage. Research supports its role in improving healing outcomes for wounds that haven’t responded to traditional methods — especially when hypoxia (low oxygen) is a factor.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is recognised by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) as a treatment option for certain types of traumatic wounds — especially when there’s poor blood flow or delayed healing. In Australia, Medicare and most private health funds may cover HBOT for these wounds, as long as specific medical criteria are met.
How many sessions are needed?
Most patients with traumatic ischaemic wounds will need between 20 and 40 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The exact number depends on how severe the wound is, how long it’s been there, and how well it responds to early treatment. Each session lasts around 90 minutes. A trained nurse is always present inside with you, and the whole experience is supervised by our medical team.
Yes — when delivered by qualified professionals in a licensed hyperbaric medical facility like ours, HBOT is considered low risk. Common side effects are mild and might include:
- Ear pressure (like on an airplane)
- Mild fatigue after treatment
- Temporary vision changes (which return to normal)
More serious complications are rare and managed closely by our team.
Treatment for traumatic wounds Brisbane
Where can I access treatment?
Wesley Hyperbaric in Brisbane is Australia’s largest private hyperbaric facility, with over 20 years of experience treating complex wounds. We are Medicare registered and accept referrals from GPs and specialists.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a traumatic wound that won’t heal, especially if there’s poor blood flow or prior vascular damage — HBOT could help.
Speak to your GP or healthcare specialist and ask if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is right for you. If you already have a referral, contact our clinic today to book a consultation.
Case summary: Ischaemic Post-Operative Wound
Please be advised: this section includes medical images that some readers may find distressing.
Patient:
76-year-old female
Presenting issue:
Non-healing post-operative wound on the right forefoot following corrective surgery in October 2024.
Contributing factors:
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- CREST syndrome (connective tissue disease)
- Chronic kidney disease (Stage 4)
- Atrial fibrillation
Current management:
- Topical GTN patches for local vasodilation
- Wound Care and Hyperbaric
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):
Planned course of 20 HBOT sessions to support post-operative wound healing in the context of vascular insufficiency and connective tissue disease.
Disclaimer
While this outcome was positive, every patient’s situation is different. Treatment responses vary depending on many factors, including medical history, severity of the condition, and individual healing capacity.
Your journey starts with these 3 steps
When you have completed your hyperbaric sessions, your condition is reassessed by one of our doctors.