The Truth and Falsehood About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy in Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic, progressive atherosclerotic disorder characterized by narrowing of the peripheral arteries, resulting in ischemia and an increased risk of limb loss.Despite advances in surgical and pharmacologic management, a substantial proportion of patients remain refractory to conventional treatments, particularly those with critical limb ischemia.Recent developments in regenerative medicine have highlighted hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and stem cell-based interventions as promising adjuncts for improving perfusion, promoting tissue repair, and enhancing limb salvage.This review summarizes the pathophysiology of PAD, examines the underlying mechanisms and clinical evidence supporting HBOT and stem cell therapy, compares their relative effectiveness, and discusses their potential integration into future therapeutic paradigms.