Treating Injuries and Preventing Further Complications
At East Jefferson General Hospital’s Wound and Hyperbaric Care, an
expert team of specially trained physicians, nurses, and clinical support
staff is available to address your chronic wound care needs using the
latest technology and techniques.
There are many factors that may be delaying or preventing your wound from
healing. With this in mind, our wound care team performs a complete history
and physical exam which allows us to develop an individualized treatment
plan specific to each patient’s needs. The goal of the East Jefferson
General Hospital’s Wound and Hyperbaric Care is to significantly
increase patients’ wound healing rates and improve patients’
quality of life.
These wounds are usually the result of diabetes, excessive pressure (bedsores),
circulatory conditions, trauma, or surgery. The patient’s initial
visit includes a comprehensive evaluation, which is used by staff to develop
an individualized care plan using the most advanced treatments available.
Education is provided throughout the course of treatment to promote rapid
healing and prevent recurrence.
Patients may be referred to the Wound and Hyperbaric Care by their providers
or they may self-refer.
Our Comprehensive Wound and Hyperbaric Care team works with each referring
physician to develop a specialized care plan for treating a variety of
problem wounds, some of which include:
Wounds that have not healed in several weeks
Post radiation tissue injury
Diabetes-related foot or ankle ulcers
Crush injuries
Venous stasis or arterials insufficiency ulcers
Wounds caused by poor circulation or trauma
Compromised grafts and flaps
Gangrene
Pressure ulcers
Necrotizing soft tissue infection
Each type of wound requires a different kind of care. Our healthcare providers
will determine the best kind of treatment.
The treatment plan we recommend may include some or a combination of the
following:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Laboratory studies
X-rays
Vascular studies
Consult for surgical debridement to remove infected tissue and bone
Antibiotic therapy
Application of specialty dressings or ointments
Use of crutches, wheelchairs, or other off-loading techniques
Consult for nutritional supplements or counseling
Consult for physical therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy operates in conjunction with East Jefferson General
Hospital’s existing wound care which provides outpatient services
to people with chronic or difficult to heal wounds. Hyperbaric medicine,
also known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), is the medical use of
concentrated oxygen at levels higher than atmospheric pressure. HBOT has
numerous indications, some of which include the treatment of certain diabetic
wounds of the lower extremities, necrotizing soft tissue infections, chronic
refractory osteomyelitis, radiation necrosis, and failed skin grafts.
Conditions that may warrant hyperbaric oxygen therapy include:
Diabetic foot ulcers
Venous ulcers
Pressure injuries/ulcers
Non-healing, post-surgical wounds
Traumatic wounds
Arterial/ischemic ulcers
Radiation wounds or injuries (internal or external)