Wound & Hyperbaric Center

Wound Care FAQs

• What is a Wound & Hyperbaric Center?

  The Wound & Hyperbaric Center at Wilson health provides care to those suffering form non-healing wounds in a way no other provider can - all in one location. Our center is a coordinated outpatient center that utilizes the latest techniques and procedures to provide the best chance of healing.

• What can our wound care patients expect?

  Your course of treatment depends on what type of wound you have. During your first visit, our staff will evaluate your wound and review your medical history. You may also need special tests that give us information about circulation and infection. This will help to determine what course of treatment you will need.

  Once a treatment plan has been prescribed, you will visit the wound healing center weekly for specialized treatments and documentation of your healing progress. Keeping appointments and following directions are critical to attaining a positive healing out come.

• What can I do to assist with my healing?

  Some actions you can do to assist in the healing process:

  • Care for your wound at home as directed by the wound care team
  • Take medications as directed
  • Return for your follow-up appointments
  • Keep regular appointments with your primary care physician while you are receiving wound care treatment

  Following your treatment is the single most important factor in your healing.

• What is Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy?

  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment in which the patient breathes 100% pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber.

  The air pressure inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is about two and a half times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere. This "hyperbaric" (or high pressure) dose of oxygen helps your blood carry more oxygen to your organs and tissues to promote wound healing. It also activates the white blood cells to fight infection.

  Patients typically receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy five days a week for approximately four to six weeks. One treatment takes about two hours and is quite comfortable for most patients.

• What conditions can hyperbaric oxygen therapy be used to treat?

  As a comprehensive wound healing center, we specialize in treatment of all types of non-healing and difficult-to-heal wounds including:

  • Slow to heal or non-healing wounds
  • Traumatic or infected wounds
  • Diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, arterial/ischemic ulcers
  • Non-healing skin grafts or surgical flaps
  • Surgical wounds that have opened
  • Symptoms occurring on or around a point of radiation (such as pain, rectal or bladder bleeding)
  • Chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis)
  • Crush injuries
  • Certain types of sudden hearing loss
  • Sudden vision loss
  • Thermal burns

• How can I prepare for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

  Your wound care provider will prescribe the appropriate amount of treatments for your specific type of wound. During your treatment, you may watch television, a movie, or take a nap.

  You will be given a hospital gown to wear in the chamber. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs, jewelry, or electronic devices are allowed in the chamber. Most pacemakers are allowed in the chamber. The hyperbaric technologist will need to know if you are taking any medications, including non-prescription drugs. you are advised not to drink alcohol or carbonated beverages for four hours prior to treatment.

  Smoking and the use of tobacco products interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen. Therefore, your doctor will work with you on techniques to help stop smoking during the treatment period.