Claxton-Hepburn

The Oxygen Option for Wound Care IT'S ESTIMATED THAT chronic, non-healing wounds currently affect approximately 6.5 million Americans. Injuries that fail to heal properly can become infected or lead to additional complications that can result in amputation, but with access to the latest advances in wound care, such as bioengineered skin substitutes, negative pressure therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), Claxton-Hepburn's wound center has reached a 96-percent heal rate. "The center is staffed by five specially trained physicians as well as specially trained nurses and other dedicated team members whose mission is to deliver high-quality, safe, and effective wound care services to patients," says Judy B. Tubolino, RN, BSN, MSHCA, director of the Wound Healing Center. "By healing wounds that patients have been dealing with for weeks, months, or even years, our team has the potential to positively impact patients' quality of life and longevity." Helping HBOT Hands Wound healing is a complicated process, requiring the Wound Healing Center team to create custom treatment plans for each patient in its care. "In many cases, chronic wounds have trouble healing due to poor oxygen levels, and HBOT can help," says David Dunn, MD, co-medical director, wound care specialist, and family health practitioner at Claxton-Hepburn. "We've seen great results using our two hyperbaric oxygen chambers to treat a wide variety of wounds, from diabetic foot ulcers to crush injuries. The chamber pumps 100-percent oxygenated air that is then pressurized, forcing oxygen into damaged tissue. Reoxygenated tissue heals better, and Celebrating 125 years of building trust. Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's Rev. Thomas T. Patterson Wound Healing Center provides leading-edge care and highly specialized treatment for those with hard-to-heal wounds. new blood vessels that form allow the healing process to continue outside the chamber." HBOT is often done in series, and a single session can last up to two hours. During HBOT, patients are in a clear treatment chamber. They can watch television or listen to music and remain in constant contact with hyperbaric technicians who monitor their progress throughout the process. For more info or to schedule an appointment at the Rev. Thomas T. Patterson Wound Healing Center, call (315) 394-0426. New Solutions Thanks to HBOT Approximately half of all patients diagnosed with cancer undergo radiation therapy, a potentially lifesaving treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates 5 percent or less of those who receive radiation therapy may experience complications such as damage to soft tissue, a rare condition that can now be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). "Radiation injuries can occur long after treatment, for reasons still under debate; blood vessel damage and fibrous tissue can develop even 20 years later in some cases," says Judy B. Tubolino, RN, BSN, MSHCA, director of the Wound Healing Center. "Those who suffer radiation injuries often don't realize there's treatment that can bring them relief. This is just one of the exciting ways HBOT is now being used to heal patients." LIVING WELL 4

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