May 25, 2012 By Sherry Chappell, Rn, Bs, Director, Wound Care Services 3 min read

When most people think of a wound care center they usually think of a patient with an open or surgical type wound. However, there are many cases where those with non-healing diabetic ulcers or infections may also benefit. Fortunately, technology has come a long way in assisting those with chronic or non-healing wounds.

We are often asked, ‘When is it time to seek specialized wound care?’ Generally, if a wound has not responded to normal medical care within 30 days, it’s time to consider specialized wound care treatment. In addition to traditional wound therapies, such as surgery and antibiotic therapy, we also offer hyperbaric oxygen treatment, which is designed to further enhance and speed the healing process.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves placing a patient in a clear vessel with the goal of increasing the oxygen level to the wound.

Patients generally participate in 20-30 ninety minute treatments.

While in the vessel, they can speak to members of the treatment team, watch a movie or just relax. Since the chamber is clear, many report feeling quite comfortable during treatment.

One controlled study followed 68 patients who were referred for amputation due to a non-healing wound. Half of the study participants received aggressive HBOT and half did not. The study, later used by Medicare to approve HBOT for reimbursement, showed that for those who did receive HBOT, only three out of 35 patients (3 percent) required amputation. For those who did not receive the treatment, 11 of the 33 (33 percent) resulted in the affected limbs being amputated. Add the fact that the five year mortality rate for amputation is 47 percent and it’s easy to see the benefit HBOT can afford.

In addition to HBOT, most wound care centers can offer state-of-the-art treatments including debridement, dressing selection, special shoes and other off-loading devices, compression therapy, and patient education. The SRMC Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, located at 220 Greene Plaza (we have the only entrance in the back of the building) has been serving the community for just over a year. During this time we have provided care and treatment to nearly 300 patients with a healing outcome of over 90 percent and a patient satisfaction rate of over 95 percent. It has been wonderful to watch so many receive the care they need right here close to home.

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy or if you have any questions about wound healing, stop by our open house on June 27 from 3:30-5:30. You can also speak to your physician about a referral to our Wound Care Center, or contact us directly for an assessment. We can be reached by calling 724-627-1600.