Wound care specialties and services at BJC
We draw on many specialty services to provide comprehensive care for challenging wounds.
Debridement
We use a variety of techniques to remove dead or unhealthy tissue from wounds to aid the healing process. Debridement is often the first step in the treatment of non-healing wounds.
Biologics and skin substitutes
Skin substitutes (either temporary or permanent) cover and protect open wounds. Unlike traditional dressings, they mimic your body’s healing process and stimulate tissue repair. Skin substitutes may be artificial or made of biological materials (from living organisms).
Compression therapy
Compression therapy uses bandages or special stockings to put pressure on blood vessel ulcers in your lower limbs. Compression therapy can restore blood flow, reduce inflammation, and ease wound-related discomfort.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a highly effective wound treatment that can reduce swelling, fight infection, and stimulate new tissue and blood vessel growth. HBOT exposes your body to higher-than-normal levels of oxygen to speed up the healing process.
Negative pressure wound therapy
Negative pressure wound therapy, or vacuum-assisted closure, may help if you have diabetic foot wounds, burns, skin grafts, or surgical wounds. We use special dressings and a pump to gently remove fluid from your wound and aid new tissue growth.
Ostomy care
An ostomy is a surgically created opening in your abdomen that allows waste or urine to leave your body. You may need an ostomy after gastrointestinal surgery if your digestive tract doesn’t work as it should. We provide pre-surgical ostomy marking and post-surgical ostomy management and education.
Pressure mapping
Using a special mat with sensors, we check areas of your body that are at risk for pressure ulcers. Pressure mapping helps us select repositioning techniques and dressings that can prevent skin breakdown. You may benefit from pressure mapping if you use a wheelchair or are bedbound.
Specialty wound dressing and supplies
Our experts show you or your caregivers how to check, change, and manage dressings. We recommend the right dressings to protect your wound, prevent infection, and maintain moisture balance.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to heal complex wounds and prevent limb amputation. Vascular surgeons use open and minimally invasive techniques to restore blood flow to your lower limbs, called revascularization. Reconstructive surgeons offer advanced skin grafting and tissue transfers for people with burns, trauma, and large surgical wounds.