PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What stimulates angiogenesis and can be an expensive alternative for treating arterial/venous ulcer disease?

1. Compression therapy

2. Hyperbaric oxygen

3. Antibiotics

4. Oral vasodilators

The correct answer is: Hyperbaric oxygen

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recognized for its capacity to stimulate angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. This is particularly beneficial in the context of treating chronic wounds such as arterial and venous ulcers, as increased blood flow can facilitate healing processes in compromised tissues. The mechanism through which hyperbaric oxygen works involves enhancing the amount of oxygen available to tissues. In a hyperbaric chamber, the patient is exposed to 100% oxygen at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure, which can increase oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues and stimulate various cellular responses, including the production of growth factors that are essential for angiogenesis. In addition to promoting the growth of new blood vessels, hyperbaric oxygen has been shown to reduce inflammation, enhance the body’s ability to fight infection, and create a more favorable environment for wound healing. While it is effective, the treatment is often expensive and requires specialized facilities and equipment, making it a less accessible option than more standard treatments for venous or arterial ulcer disease. While compression therapy, antibiotics, and oral vasodilators are useful in the management of ulcers, they do not specifically stimulate angiogenesis to the extent that hyperbaric oxygen does, nor do they present the same level of evidence for promoting enhanced blood