Wounds left untreated can cause serious problems. Chronic non-healing wounds can result in scarring, infection, pain or, in some cases, limb loss. Experts at Central Maine Healthcare’s Comprehensive Wound Center, based at Central Maine Medical Center with satellite clinics at Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital, provide a variety of specialty treatments and advanced therapies for patients with non-healing wounds and other conditions.
Our clinic experts work together with other specialists to offer patients a comprehensive treatment plan. We often collaborate with providers including those from infectious disease; oncology; vascular, general and plastic surgery; and physical and occupational therapy services.
We provide both inpatient and outpatient care and consultation. Hospitalized patients with wound care needs will see an expert from our wound care team.
Some of the treatments offered include:
Debridement
Debridement removes dead or inflamed tissue from a wound so it can heal. For painful wounds, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. Your provider will use a series of tools to remove any dead tissue.
The Comprehensive Wound Care Center also offers ultrasonic mist therapy as a less invasive option for debridement. This procedure uses ultrasound delivered by a fine mist to break down damaged tissue. The wound is then cleaned and dressings are applied.
Studies have shown ultrasound mist therapy helps decrease pain and promote healing to a wound.
Compression Therapy
Management of edema — swelling — is essential to wound healing. Compression therapy uses compression stockings or bandages to help a wound heal faster by applying gentle pressure that decreases swelling. Patients with venous ulcers and lymphedema often benefit from compression therapy.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Negative pressure wound therapy, also called vacuum-assisted closure therapy, is helpful for acute or chronic wounds. When artificial implants, burns, exposed bone, infections or poor circulation impact healing, negative pressure wound therapy can offer solutions.
During this therapy, the wound is covered in a dressing that is attached to a pump. The pump creates a vacuum, which helps wounds heal by controlling drainage, increasing blood flow to the area, keeping the wound moist and increasing collagen formation.
Studies show this therapy promotes quicker healing for wounds.
Total Contact Casting
A total contact cast is the gold standard for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The ulcer is covered with soft foam, and then bandages are wrapped around the foot before it is casted in a non-removable cast. The contoured cast helps distribute weight on the foot to encourage offloading, or limiting the use of the foot with the ulcer.
A total contact cast could help your ulcer heal much faster.
