The ECMC Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine provides specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds, which are defined as sores or wounds that have not significantly improved from conventional treatments.
Associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins, and immobility, non-healing wounds lead to lower quality of life and may lead to amputations. When wounds persist, a specialized approach is required for healing. Typically, a wound that does not respond to normal medical care within 30 days is considered a problem or chronic wound.
Conditions & Diseases
Chronic and non-healing wounds are associated with a number of conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation
- Trauma
- Vascular disease
- Immobility
Treatments & Procedures
The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Service offers a variety of outpatient treatment options for chronic and non-healing wounds, including:
- Debridement (removal of foreign matter and/or contaminated tissue)
- Dressing selection
- Specialized equipment selection
- Patient education
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is used as an adjunctive treatment for problematic, non-healing wounds that meet specific criteria; it is expected that 10–20% of the wound care cases will do so.
During the treatments, the patient breathes 100-percent oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, quickly increasing the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream, where it is delivered to a patient’s wound site for faster healing. Essentially, HBOT therapy helps heal the wound from the inside out. This therapy can help reduce swelling, fight infection, and build new blood vessels, ultimately producing healthy tissue. It is also effective in fighting certain types of infections, improving circulation, in stimulating growth of new blood vessels, and in treating crush injuries, osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts and flaps, brown recluse spider bites, and diabetic wounds of the lower extremities.
Am I a candidate?
If you suffer from a chronic or non-healing wound, speak to your physician about a referral to our clinic, or contact us directly for an assessment.
How can I arrange for a consultation?
You may call the Wound Care Center directly or be referred by your doctor. To make an appointment directly, call (716) 898-4800.
Is hyperbaric medicine safe?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and evidence-based treatment proven to speed the healing process in certain types of wounds. In fact, many patients find it relaxing! The clear chambers are equipped with televisions and comfortable bedding, so patients are able to watch their favorite television shows or a movie, or even sleep. A typical course of treatment involves the patient spending about 90 minutes a day in the chamber five days per week over a four- to six-week period.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
The first appointment consists of an assessment by our skilled wound care team, a review of your medical history, blood tests, and recommendations for your treatment plan. Please be sure to bring to this appointment your medical records, insurance information, a list of current medications, and a list of your allergies. You should expect to spend several hours at the clinic.
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