Abstract 11150: Hyperbaric Oxygenation Enhances Transplanted Cell Graft Survival and Functional Recovery in Critical Limb Ischemia

Introduction: One of the major limitations in the application of stem-cell therapy to repair ischemic tissue is the low survival of transplanted cells, possibly due to poor oxygenation. Also the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is poorly understood. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that HBOT could be used as an adjuvant treatment to augment stem-cell therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of HBOT on the engraftment of bone marrow-derived MSCs transplanted in critical limb ischemia (CLI). Methods: Sixty-nine consecutive CLI patients refractory to peripheral revascularization therapy were enrolled. MSC transplantation was performed in all patients. HBOT (given 100% oxygen under 2.8 atmosphere absolute, for 60 min) was administered to 36 patients with and 33 patients without, by 2 weeks after those therapies. These patients were followed up by an outpatient clinic after limb survival. The primary endpoint was tissue oxygen tension...