Wound healing center in Los Angeles
Nearly 6 million people in the U.S. are affected by chronic wounds every year. The Advanced Wound Care Center at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center treats chronic or non-healing wounds with the latest technology and patient education. . Our treatment approach is focused and personalized to ensure your wound heals as quickly as possible.
To make an appointment, please call (818) 676-4325 or (818) 676-HEAL.
Types of wounds we treat
Our wound clinic's specialists work closely with your referring physician. Together they determine which wound care protocols will address your individual needs. We treat many different kinds of wounds such as:
- Arterial ulcers
- Burns
- Complex soft tissue wounds
- Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities
- Non-healing surgical wounds
- Pressure ulcers
- Vasculitic ulcers
- Venous stasis ulcers
Types of treatments we offer
Our center uses wound care best practices and the latest technologies to treat and heal chronic wounds like diabetic ulcers or non-healing burns. Some treatments we perform include:
- Biological skin substitutes: bio-engineered products which replace the form/function of lost skin
- Compression therapy: the use of wraps/stockings to support veins and increase circulation in the legs
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT): breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to speed up healing
- Negative pressure wound therapy: the use of a vacuum dressing to stimulate tissue growth
- Sharp debridement: a surgical procedure used to remove dead tissue
What is hyperbaric medicine?
Without adequate oxygen, normal healing cannot take place in the body. When a wound is chronic — not healing after four weeks — it is not getting enough oxygen to the area to heal. HBOT is a treatment that increases oxygen in the body so chronic wounds can heal.
Patients breathe in pure oxygen in a single-person, pressurized hyperbaric chamber. This allows a high concentration of oxygen to attach to red blood cells. HBOT also reduces swelling in the affected area. No longer starved for oxygen, the chronic wound begins to heal at a much quicker rate. Studies have shown that it has increased healing by an average of 25 percent in patients. Medicare and most private insurances cover HBOT. Patients with the following conditions may be candidates for HBOT:
- Acute carbon monoxide poisoning
- Arterial insufficiency
- Compromised skin graft or flap
- Crush injuries
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Gas gangrene
- Infected wounds
- Necrotizing infections
- Osteoradionecrosis
- Refractory osteomyelitis
- Soft tissue radionecrosis
- Traumatic wounds
Do all patients undergo HBOT?
Not all patients qualify for HBOT. Our hyperbaric physicians and other specialists evaluate every patient to learn if HBOT is right for them.
Does HBOT hurt?
While HBOT is not generally painful, you may experience pressure in the ears similar to diving underwater. Our hyperbaric staff teaches you auto-inflationary techniques to clear the ears during the treatment. The problem is temporary and resolves when treatment is completed.
What if I am claustrophobic?
We strive to make you as comfortable as possible while receiving HBOT. The chamber is made of acrylic glass, which allows for visual and verbal surveillance and verbal communication with patients during treatment. This feature also makes it possible for you to watch videos or television during treatments. Some patients will not undergo hyperbaric treatment if it proves stressful or uncomfortable. Our staff will work with you to see if you can tolerate the treatment.
Wound care center information
The Advanced Wound Care Center address is:
7300A Medical Center Drive
West Hills, California 91307