VISITING WOUNDS SPECIALISTS
AND PRIMARY CARE

A wound care consultation is a specialized medical evaluation performed by a healthcare professional, who has expertise in treating wounds. This consultation is typically requested when a wound is:

• Chronic: Persistent and slow to heal, often due to underlying medical conditions.

• Complex: Involves multiple factors, such as infection, poor blood flow, or pressure ulcers.

• Resistant to Treatment: Not responding to standard wound care methods.

At VWSPC, our wound certified providers will conduct a in-home assessment to determine the patient's requirements and authorize appropriate services from homecare agencies.

What is Amniotic Allograft Membrane?

Amniotic allograft membrane commonly used as skin barrier in treatments is a biological material derived from the outermost layer of the placenta. It is processed and sterilized to remove any potential pathogens, making it safe for use in medical procedures.

How Does It Work?

Amniotic allograft membrane offers several benefits that can promote wound healing:

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: It contains natural anti-inflammatory factors that can reduce inflammation and swelling around the wound.

• Growth Factor Delivery: The membrane is rich in growth factors that stimulate cell growth and tissue regeneration.

• Antimicrobial Effects: It has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent infections.

• Scar Reduction: Amniotic allograft membrane can help minimize scarring, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Uses of Amniotic Allograft Membrane

Amniotic allograft membrane is used in a variety of wound care applications, including:

• Chronic Wounds: Pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous stasis ulcers

• Surgical Wounds: Post-operative incisions, burns

• Acute Wounds: Traumatic injuries, lacerations

Benefits of Using Amniotic Allograft Membrane

• Accelerated Healing: It can significantly speed up the healing process.

• Reduced Pain: It can help alleviate pain associated with wounds.

• Improved Aesthetic Outcomes: It can minimize scarring and improve the appearance of the healed wound.

• Reduced Risk of Infection: Its antimicrobial properties can help prevent infections.

Is Amniotic Allograft Membrane Safe?

Amniotic allograft membrane is generally considered safe for use in medical procedures. It undergoes rigorous processing and testing to ensure it is free of pathogens.

VWSPC also provides this as an additional treatment approach to facilitate wound healing.

Arterial and venous wounds represent two distinct types of vascular complications that require specific management strategies to promote healing and restore function.

Arterial Wounds

Arterial wounds typically occur due to inadequate blood supply caused by conditions such as peripheral artery disease. These wounds are often found on the lower legs and feet and may present painful, with a well-defined, punched-out appearance; surrounding skin may be cool and pale.

Venous Wounds

Venous wounds arise from chronic venous insufficiency, where the veins cannot efficiently return blood to the heart. These wounds are typically located on the lower legs and exhibit the following features:

Effective management of arterial and venous wounds requires a comprehensive approach that targets the underlying vascular issues while providing appropriate wound care.

Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing process and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

As wound care specialists, our goal is to facilitate optimal healing and improve the patient's quality of life. As a part of the evaluation we order in-house arterial and venous doppler studies to access the blood flow.

Bedside debridements are a vital component of wound care that can be performed by home visiting doctors for patients who are unable to travel to a healthcare facility. Debridement involves removing dead or infected tissue from a wound to promote healing and prevent infection.

When Bedside Debridements Are Necessary

Bedside debridements are often necessary for patients with:

• Chronic Wounds: Pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous stasis ulcers

• Complex Wounds: Wounds that are infected, have poor blood flow, or are resistant to treatment

• Patients Unable to Travel: Patients who are bedridden, have limited mobility, or live in remote areas

Benefits of Bedside Debridements

• Improved Healing: Removing dead or infected tissue can promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

• Pain Management: Debridement can help alleviate pain associated with wounds.

• Prevention of Infection: Removing dead tissue can help prevent infections.

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Chronic wounds can significantly impact daily activities. Effective wound care, including debridement, can improve overall quality of life.

Our VWSPC providers are trained and certified to provide this services as needed to ensure proper wound healing.

Diabetic wound care is a combination of managing diabetes and treating them.

Individuals with this condition are at higher risk of complications including developing ulcers, wounds and leading to amputation if not treated accurately in time due to decreased blood flow, nerve damage, and prolonged healing times. Effective management involves a combination of preventive measures, routine care, and appropriate treatment protocols.

Through a patient-centered approach focusing on prevention, routine care, and timely treatment, individuals with diabetes can effectively manage their wound care, reducing the risk of complications and promoting overall health.

VWSPC providers can collobarte with other PCPs and specialists like vascular surgeons and endocrinologist ..etc to provide a comprehensive approach.

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure sores, occur when sustained pressure on the skin restricts blood flow to particular areas, typically over bony prominences. They are most commonly found in individuals with limited mobility, such as those who are bedridden or in wheelchair.

These ulcers can develop in several areas and stages, ranging from stage I, characterized by redness of intact skin, to stage IV, involving full-thickness skin loss and extensive destruction of underlying tissue.

Preventing pressure ulcers involves regular repositioning of the individual, utilizing pressure-relieving devices, maintaining skin hygiene, and ensuring proper nutrition and hydration.

At VWSPC, our trained specialists will visit in person to evaluate the wound and provide/ advise the appropriate treatment to facilitate healing and preventing infection. Education for caregivers and healthcare providers is crucial in managing and preventing the occurrence of pressure ulcers.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are infections that occur within 30 days of a surgical procedure. They can be classified as superficial, deep, or organ space infections based on the depth of the infection.

If an SSI develops, prompt treatment is necessary to prevent complications. Treatment typically involves:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are often the primary treatment for SSIs. The specific type of antibiotic will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

• Wound Care: Proper wound care is essential to promote healing and prevent the spread of infection. This may include wound cleansing, debridement (removal of dead or infected tissue), and the application of dressings.

• Drainage: In some cases, drainage may be necessary to remove pus or fluid from the infected area.

• Surgical Intervention: For severe SSIs or those that do not respond to other treatments, surgical intervention may be required. This may involve draining the abscess, debriding the wound, or removing infected tissue.

Prevention and Treatment of SSIs

Preventing SSIs is a priority in healthcare. By implementing effective preventive measures and providing timely treatment when infections occur. VWSPC works with homecare agencies and its clinical team to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of SSIs to ensure successful recovery.

Traumatic injuries can occur in a variety of settings, including the home. When a patient sustains a traumatic injury, prompt medical attention is crucial. Home visiting doctors can play a vital role in providing immediate care and assessing the need for further treatment.

Common Traumatic Injuries Seen by Home Visiting Doctors

• Falls: Falls are a common cause of traumatic injuries, especially among the elderly.

• Burns: Burns can be caused by hot liquids, fire, chemicals, or electricity.

• Cuts and Lacerations: These can be caused by sharp objects, accidents, or assaults.

• Fractures: Broken bones can occur due to falls, accidents.

• Concussions: Head injuries can result from falls, or assaults.

In some situations, VWSPC can provide essential care for patients with traumatic injuries, especially in situations where immediate transportation to a hospital is not feasible. By assessing the severity of the injury and providing appropriate treatment. As a part of the assessment we can order portable/ mobile X ray to be done at home so we can avoid a visit to ER or hospital.