Aggressive Care for Chronic, Unresolved Wounds Saves Lives and Limbs

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Oct. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 6.7 million Americans with chronic wounds and the specialized physicians and clinicians who treat them, they know that even simple wounds can result in significant medical issues, impairing the body's normal healing process. Left untreated, chronic and non-healing wounds may have severe consequences and can lead to diminished quality of life, serious health issues and even amputation of affected limbs.

There is hope, thanks to specialty centers like MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center's Advanced Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center. Located in Mission Viejo, the Center is nationally regarded for treating some of the most difficult cases of complex wounds. With its sizable arsenal of advanced medical technology and specialized wound care, it offers a comprehensive program to speed healing, preserve limbs and prevent recurrence of challenging wounds. As the number of chronic wounds is expected to increase two percent annually over the next decade, Saddleback Medical Center is continuing its leading role in battling this growing concern.

"We're pleased to provide advanced wound care services to our local communities," says Marcia Manker, CEO, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. "Our team of highly trained, compassionate physicians and nurse specialists with advanced expertise in wound management, along with our support staff, guide patients on their journey to healing. Since opening our Center 10 years ago, response has been overwhelmingly positive."

"Together, our comprehensive services, technology and extraordinary team save our patients from having to leave the community to receive this advanced care," adds Robert Kingston, M.D., medical director, Advanced Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center.

According to Dr. Kingston, the rising incidence of chronic wounds can be correlated to obesity, vascular disease, an aging population, and radiation treatment side effects which are often underlying causes. When chronic wounds persist, a multi-disciplinary approach and coordination of care helps promote effective healing. The Advanced Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center's leading-edge treatments include hyperbaric oxygen therapy for select conditions, experts in limb salvage and radiation injuries and three hyperbaric chambers.

During the non-invasive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients receive treatment relaxing on a bed encased in a large, transparent plastic shell as they are surrounded by 100 percent oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen medicine and advanced wound therapy may be used to treat wounds related to more than a dozen conditions including certain diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, surgical wounds, mandibular and soft tissue osteoradionecrosis, radiation cystitis and burns. 

The outpatient services are designed to complement the care of primary physicians who frequently refer their patients to the Center. Based on an extensive evaluation, a customized treatment plan optimizes the therapies best suited to address the patient's needs.

The Advanced Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center is located at 26137 La Paz Road, Mission Viejo. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 949-452-3309 and visit https://www.memorialcare.org/services/wound-care-hyperbaric-medicine/wound-care-hyperbaric-medicine-saddleback-medical-center.

SOURCE MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center