Method for increasing tissue oxygenation

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and compositions for increasing tissue oxygen levels by administration of superoxygenated compositions of tissue surfaces. The methods are applicable to treatment of a wide variety of conditions including burns, bedsores, ulcers, necrosis and anaerobic infections.

1 . A method of increasing tissue oxygenation in mammals, comprising applying a superoxygenated composition of oxygen microbubbles consisting essentially of oxygen in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle directly to a tissue surface selected from the group consisting of skin and mucous membranes for a time sufficient to increase the partial oxygen pressure at least about 2 mm beneath the tissue surface from about 30% to about 120% above baseline pO 2 . 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mammal is a human. 
   
   
       3 . (canceled) 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the tissue is affected by a medical condition. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the medical condition is selected from the group consisting of bedsores, wounds, burns, and ulcers. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the medical condition is a bacterial infection. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the bacterial infection is identified as an anaerobic pathogen bacterial infection. 
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the oxygen in the superoxygenated composition has a concentration from about 45 parts per million to about 220 parts per million. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the superoxygenated composition is at about 0° C. to about 34° C. 
   
   
       12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle comprises water. 
   
   
       14 . The method of claim wherein the oxygen microbubbles are between about 2μ and about 10μ in diameter. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the microbubbles are between about 0.6μ and about 5μ in diameter. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the superoxygenated composition is applied under agitation. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the agitation is provided in a whirlpool bath. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle allows the superoxygenated composition to be administered in the form of a cream, lotion or gel. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the composition is applied by soaking, immersion, spraying, rubbing or aerosols.