Wound Care
Did you know that three to five million Americans suffer from non-healing or chronic wounds? If you have a wound that won't heal you are not alone. The expert staff at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County is ready to help.
The Wound Healing Center at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County treats about 3,000 patients per year. It is an outpatient - program for treating people with hard-to-heal wounds. Chronic wounds come from different lifestyle factors or medical conditions and may not heal for a variety of reasons. The lengthy time it takes to heal these wounds is disruptive to not only the person with the wound but often the whole family. Our staff is comprised of physicians and nurses who have advanced education and expertise in wound management. Our goal is to provide comprehensive and individualized treatment to -all clients and family members whom we care for at the center.
Who Should Come to the Center
People with wounds that have not shown improvement in four weeks or not healed in eight weeks are those who benefit the most from the advanced healing technologies used at the center. We also treat people who have been to their family physicians or the emergency room and now require further treatment to heal new yet difficult wounds resulting from injury or infection.
The center uses cutting-edge technology to treat various skin lesions and ulcers. For example, one of the center's vascular surgeons, Samuel H. Wasser, MD, FACS, was the first vascular surgeon in South Jersey to use EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment), which is an alternative to vein stripping when treating varicose veins. The center also -applies Apligraf, a living bi-layered skin substitute grown in the lab, and utilizes vacuum devices to help close wounds. Hyperbaric oxygen is also used in conjunction with other therapies to treat many types of nonhealing wounds.
The Wound Healing Center treats wounds resulting from a variety of medical problems or lifestyle issues. Many of our wounds are a result of the following risk factors or conditions :
- Pressure resulting from bedrest or immobility
- Diabetes often associated with nerve damage and decreased circulation
- Edema or swelling which can cause a wound or impede healing
- Poor circulation that doesn't permit blood and oxygen to get to the wound
- Minor burns which are often painful and frightening
- Trauma from injuries at home or at work
- Surgical incisions that won't heal
- Skin Infections which may open and drain causing pain and concern
Treatment Plan
After an initial evaluation, our physicians and nurses who are specialists in wound treatment and associated conditions such as diabetes, will develop a unique treatment plan for you. Your plan will include regular visits to the Center for treatment and evaluation.You will also be given detailed home instructions. If appropriate, we will help you to acquire home care services such as a visiting nurse or supplies such as bandages, pumps, cushions, mattresses or glucose testing meters.
Education and Prevention
Once a treatment plan is determined, the patients and their caregivers are taught how to care for the wounds. They are shown how to apply dressings and devices that may be ordered as part of the treatment of their wounds. Instructions on how to prevent future wounds are also provided. Diabetes education and counseling are included in the overall teaching plan when indicated.
Many patients experience healing of their chronic wounds in just a few weeks or months.
Insurance and Appointments
Most insurance plans cover wound care. The Center's receptionist can answer questions regarding insurance and any referrals needed for an appointment.
The Wound Healing Center is located in Professional Building East on Hospital Drive, directly across from the Emergency Department entrance to Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County. We are on the first floor with easy wheel chair access to the office suite. The center has ample free parking. It is within short drive of the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 295, Route 130 and Burlington-Bristol Bridge.
If you or your loved one is suffering with chronic wounds isn't it time to begin the healing process today? Call us to set up an appointment and allow us to help you! Our number is: 609-835-5240.
