Wound Care
Chronic wounds affect 6.7 million U.S. patients annually and, as the population continues to age and experience increased rates of diabetes, obesity and cancer treatment side effects, this number will grow.
If you have a wound that has not healed within 30 days, it may be time to seek care at Northwest Health - Porter's Wound Clinic and Hyperbaric Center.
Some wounds are more difficult to heal and may not respond to typical treatment methods. Under the direction of medical specialists and staff certified as wound specialists, our team offers advanced therapies and treatment options to help reduce the severe health risks of non-healing wounds, including:
- Serious Infections
- Unnecessary Scaring
- Pain/Discomfort
- Gangrene
- Loss of Limb
To help these patients, the Wound Clinic and Hyperbaric Center at Northwest Health - Porter offers convenient outpatient treatment and has a high success rate of treating non-healing wounds.
Types of chronic wounds include:
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Lower Leg Ulcers
- Pressure Ulcers/Bed Sores
- Bone Infections/Osteomyelitis
- Skin Tears/Lacerations
- Radiation Burns
- Infected Surgical Sites
- Crush Injuries
- Spider Bites
Our Services
The wound-care specialists at Northwest Health - Porter use national guidelines and proven clinical evidence when treating and managing wounds.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT is a specialized treatment originally developed for scuba divers who experienced "the bends." When used for wound healing at Northwest Health - Porter, patients relax inside of one of two pressurized chambers and breathe 100% pure oxygen. The highly concentrated oxygen goes directly to the bloodstream to assist the healing process of the wounds and helps fight certain types of infection. The oxygen also stimulates new blood vessel growth, improving circulation and wound healing.
Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC)
A newer treatment that has revolutionized how non-healing wounds were treated, VAC involves the wound being covered in a dressing that has a drainage tube. The tube is connected to a vacuum source that removes waste and excess fluid from the wound to enhance circulation.
Various Wound Dressing Materials
From natural materials to bioengineered skin substitutes, the type of dressing used is dependent on its application and the type of wound being treated.
Topical Agents
Topically applied platelet-derived growth factors have proven beneficial in promoting wound healing. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved this to promote healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
Why Choose Northwest Health - Porter?
With a fully trained staff including four physicians, a podiatrist, nurses and educators, the Wound Clinic and Hyperbaric Center focuses on helping you get your wound healed and your quality of life back as easily and quickly as possible. We provide:
- Personalized one-on-one care
- Physicians and staff work closely with your referring physician
- Thorough training for you and your family so you can care for your wound at home
- Materials and resources related to wound prevention, proper nutrition, hygiene and more.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (219) 263-7240.