REVIEWS   

Acta Phlebologica 2007 August;8(2):79-91

Copyright © 2007 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Carboxytherapy: effects on microcirculation and its use in the treatment of severe lymphedema. A review

Varlaro V. ¹, Manzo G. ¹, Mugnaini F. ¹, Bisacci C. ¹, Fiorucci P. ¹, De Rango P. ², Bisacci R. ¹

¹ Interuniversitary Center for the Education and the Research on Phlebology Department of Surgical Sciences University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy 2 Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

Carboxytherapy refers to the administration of CO2 for therapeutic purposes. It has been shown that, because of the interaction between CO2 and regulating factors of tissue perfusion, Carboxytherapy acts on the microcirculation at the level of metarterioles, arterioles and precapillary shpincteres by increasing tissue flow velocity and consequently, by improving lymphatic drainage. Analysis of literature data shows a wide range of today applications for this treatment involving either phlebology or non-phlebology fields. Specifically, the positive effect on the increase of lymphatic drainage has more recently made Carboxytherapy useful for treatment of lymphatic stasis. Basic hemodynamic, histologyc and biochemical principles that explain the effects on microcirculation bed and lymphatic drainage are here analyzed to show how Carboxytherapy can be useful in the treatment of diseases such as severe lymphedema.