Our Services
Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics
Common Wound Healing Questions
What is a chronic wound?
If skin is opened by an injury or if there is a blocked artery or a problem with a vein, blood flow to an area is impaired and may cause delays in healing and promote infection. In some patients that condition may become limb or life-threatening.
For most people, a wound heals naturally. However, for those people whose healing process is delayed or complicated by conditions such as chronic disease, age, obesity or poor nutrition, a wound becomes problematic. Wounds that do not get significantly better in a month are considered problematic and should be seen by a physician.
What kind of chronic wounds does the center treat?
The center treats all chronic wounds, including pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, arterial wounds, surgical wounds that have dehisced, venous stasis, traumatic injury wounds etc.
What is the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics?
It is an outpatient program dedicated solely to healing patients with difficult wounds. These wounds may be caused by diabetes, vascular problems, chronic infections, pressure, minor burns, spider bites or other traumas.
Who treats the wounds?
The care team consists of:
- Vascular, podiatric and general surgeons
- Certified wound care advanced registered nurse practitioners
- Certified wound care nurses
- Infectious disease specialists
- Orthotists
- Physical therapists
- Nutritionists
- Diabetes educators
What should I expect on my first visit?
A team of physicians, nurses and technicians will assess your general medical health. Blood tests, x-rays and tests to determine the blood flow to your wound may also be performed. This information helps the wound healing team determine the best course of treatment for you.
For your first visit, you should bring all your medications and be prepared to be at the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics for about two hours. If you have diabetes and the appointment is during a time you usually eat, we encourage you to bring a healthy snack.
What is hyperbaric oxygen treatment?
Hyperbaric oxygen allows patients to breathe 100 percent oxygen at pressure two to three times greater than normal sea level pressure. Research has shown that increasing oxygen to the body’s tissues helps create new blood vessels, reduce hypoxia and stimulate a healing cascade by hyperoxygenation followed by a drastic drop. High oxygen levels may also prevent or kill certain harmful organisms, boosting the body’s immune response.
Where is the center located?
In late 2008, we moved one block south of the Stevens Hospital campus at the corner of 220th and 76th:
76th Professional Commons
21911 76th Avenue West, #204
Edmonds, WA98026
425.673.3380
