wounds generally develop in patients with circulatory problems or diabetes. Byers, who has diabetes, has been receiving treatment for a wound on her toe …
St Lukes Regional Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center Saved My Foot
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jennifer Wilson, PR/Marketing, 894-2408
St Lukes Regional Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center is taking the lead
when it comes to wound care in the Carolinas Dr Lonnie Lassiter, Medical
Director and Marie Edney, Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse are using
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy HBO for the successful treatment of chronic and
slow healing wounds In these space age chambers, patients can lie
comfortably and watch television, listen to music, nap or talk with the
staff during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, most often used for wounds that
fail to respond to conventional treatments
This high-tech therapy is truly the latest, most effective treatment for
chronic wounds, said Edney, a nationally certified hyperbaric nurse with
more than 26 years of experience treating wounds
According to Medical Director Dr Lonnie Lassiter, HBO therapy works
because the chamber allows the patient to be surrounded by 100 percent
oxygen, which is two to three times the atmospheric pressure we normally
breathe This increases the amount of oxygen in the blood that is
circulated to body tissues The
oxygen-enriched blood preserves damaged
tissues and increases blood vessel formation and infection control
The hyperbaric chambers high intensity therapy is most often used to treat
chronic, non-healing wounds that fail to show notable improvement after
four weeks or have not healed after an eight-week period These non-healing
wounds generally develop in patients with circulatory problems or diabetes
Patient satisfaction is our greatest reward, says Edney
For example, just ask Marsha Byers what she thinks of this technology
Byers, who has diabetes, has been receiving treatment for a wound on her
toe since May of this year After 60 treatments, she has had a 100
improvement in just 5 short months She states, This treatment saved my
toe When the doctor first told me about this new treatment, I was
terrified As soon as I walked in the door of Hyperbaric, I felt at ease
The entire staff is so wonderful, concerned and caring It was just like
being with family I saw improvement right away This is the best thing
we have here
It is patient testimony like this that makes us proud we are able to offer
such services, adds Edney Some patients suffered with their wounds for
as long as
five years, Edney said, stressing that the sooner patients begin
HBO treatments, the shorter the time in treatment Also, the sooner a
patient is referred for treatment, the better chance to prevent amputation
and the costs associated with those lifestyle challenges
Weve had a tremendous success rate of 97 in healing our patients, Edney
said, showing obvious improvements in photographs and measurements taken
throughout the treatment process
Depending on the severity of the wound, most patients are in HBO therapy
five days a week for an average of two hours each visit It gives the staff
and patients plenty of time to talk about ways to manage their wounds and
lifestyle changes associated with their condition
We are very proactive with our education to make sure our patients are
compliant in order to have continued success, Edney said Good care and
attention to their feet is a priority for people with diabetes, because the
lack of circulation to the feet can get them in trouble
While hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an excellent treatment for diabetic
wounds, other conditions that benefit include failed skin grafts, acute
crush injuries and bone infections Early research indicates HBO
benefits
patients with Multiple Sclerosis, strokes and even heart attacks, according
to Edney Signs and symptoms caused by radiation burns from cancer
treatment have also shown remarkable healing rates
For more information on services provided by the Regional Hyperbaric and
Wound Care Center at St Lukes Hospital, call 828-894-0111 or 1-800-934-
3251
This recent addition to the Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center is another
step to insure St Lukes Hospital continues to provide exceptional care,
close to home
Source:saintlukeshospital.com
