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A Team approach to Wound Care

Our expert wound care staff is highly skilled in the care of difficult, non-healing wounds, with over ten years experience in the field.

They are specially trained in wound management and are dedicated to remaining abreast of the latest advances in wound treatment.

The wound care team includes:

An American Board Certified Wound Specialist trained in wound care management.
Nurses, with training in the care of chronic wounds.
Vascular Surgeon with over 10 years experience in treating circulatory problems.
Nutritionist and physiotherapist
Patients are also considered important members of their wound care team.


+	What is a Chronic Wound?
	You can cut your foot while walking without shoes. For most people this can be fixed with cleaning and a Band-Aid. But if you have diabetes, a circulatory problem, or a compromised immune system, that cut could turn into a serious problem. A non-healing or chronic wound is defined as a wound that does not heal in four weeks. This type of wound poses the risk of infection, which can lead to a more serious condition, possibly resulting in the loss of a limb. Some of the most common areas for non-healing wounds are the lower extremities such as feet, ankles, heels and calves. For those unable to walk, common places for non-healing wounds are hips, thighs and buttocks (bed sores). When it comes to wound healing, it is all about blood supply. Blood brings oxygen and other nutrients to help the wound heal.


+	Who gets Chronic Wounds?
	Patients with: Diabetes Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Cardiac Disease Burns/Radiation Poor nutrition Paraplegia/Bed sores


+	What to expect when visiting the Wound Care Center
	When the patient first comes in, our wound care specialist and nurse will evaluate the patient’s wound and his or her general health. They will also review the patient’s medical history. Some initial tests may be requested for the patient. The wound care management team will put together a care plan based on the patient’s special needs. The care plan will include regular visits to the CVVC Wound Care Center, in order to provide treatment, evaluate progress and make any changes that might be needed. Family members and care givers are trained to perform dressings. The patient’s family doctor or GP is also encouraged to take part in the management.


+	What type of wounds can be treated?
	Diabetic foot or leg ulcers Venous leg ulcers (ulcers from varicose veins) Pressure ulcers and bed sores Ischemic ulcers (due to circulation disorders) Burns Non-healing surgical or injury sites Lymphedema


+	What treatment options are available?
	The CVVC Wound Care Center uses the biofilm based wound care technology and incorporates state of the art contemporary methods, combined with time tested traditional techniques. These include: Advanced wound dressings Ultrasonic debridement (cleaning the wound with ultrasound waves) Laser assessment of wound oxygen content Surgical cleaning of wounds Negative Pressure Therapy Hyperbaric treatment Extensive patient education Nutritional and dietary assessment