Chronic Wound Services
Altru Chronic Wound Services is dedicated to helping patients achieve the best outcome for treating wounds and ulcers that do not heal in a timely fashion.
If you or a loved one has a wound that is of concern or is not healing properly, you may have what is referred to as a complex or non-healing wound.
Often complicated by underlying conditions such as diabetes, circulation problems or previous radiation treatment, the simplest of wounds can turn into a significant problem because the body’s normal healing process is affected. Other types of hard-to-heal wounds result from pressure, trauma or infection. Complex or non-healing wounds can have serious health consequences and may adversely affect your quality of life.
Types of wounds treated
As a comprehensive wound healing clinic, our team uses the most effective, science-based treatments for a variety of non-healing and difficult-to-heal wounds including:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Venous ulcers
- Pressure ulcers
- Non-healing, surgical wounds
- Arterial/ischemic ulcers
- Post-radiation injury to tissue or bone
- Traumatic wounds
- Infected wounds
- Crush injuries
- Compromised flaps or grafts
What is a chronic wound clinic
Altru Chronic Wound Services provides care to those suffering from chronic wounds in a way no other provider can – all in one location. Altru Chronic Wound Services is a coordinated outpatient center that utilizes the latest techniques and procedures to provide the best chance of healing.
Wound care specialists
Our wound healing clinic is staffed with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, along with nurses and technicians with advanced training in wound care, who will customize the most effective treatment plan to stimulate healing.
Comprised of general physicians, vascular and plastic surgeons, podiatrists and infectious disease physicians, our team is dedicated to providing the most advanced healing options to patients, allowing them to recover as quickly and completely as possible.
As wound healing specialists, our clinicians have a proven track record of healing wounds – even those that have not responded to other treatments.
Wound care treatment plan
Our approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies and techniques that are proven to reduce healing time and improve healing rates.
Since non-healing wounds rarely result from a single cause, we begin with a thorough evaluation and diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of the wound. A treatment plan is then developed to give patients the best chance for healing. Most treatments are covered by Medicare/Medicaid, HMOs and other private insurance. Depending on the type of wound, the treatment plan may include:
- Infection control
- Restoration of blood flow
- Debridement (removal of dead tissue)
- Offloading
- Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy
- Skin substitutes
- Compression therapy
- Foot reconstruction
- Skin graft or flap
What to expect as a wound care patient
Your course of treatment depends on what type of wound you have. During your first visit, our staff will evaluate your wound and review your medical history. You may also need special tests that give us information about circulation and infection. This will help to determine what course of treatment you will need.
Once a treatment plan has been prescribed, you will visit the wound healing clinic weekly for specialized treatments and documentation of your healing progress. Keeping appointments and following directions are critical to attaining a positive healing outcome. Some things you can do to assist with your healing:
- Care for your wound at home as directed by the wound care team
- Take medications as directed
- Return for your follow-up appointments
- Keep regular appointments with your primary care physician while you are receiving wound care treatment
Following your treatment is the single most important factor in your healing. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 701.780.6400 to learn more about our doctors or treatment plans. We’re happy to clarify anything you feel uncertain about regarding the wound care treatment process.
Contact your primary healthcare provider for a referral to Altru Chronic Wound Services or call 701.780.6400 for more information.