Wounds that don’t heal within 4 to 6 weeks can be worrying and frustrating. Chronic wounds affect millions of Americans, often resulting from vascular conditions or lifestyle issues. These wounds are more than skin deep—they can disrupt your daily life and signal underlying health problems.
Understanding the Connection Between Wounds and Vascular Health
Blood flow plays a crucial role in wound healing. Healthy blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to injured areas while removing waste products. When conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) or venous insufficiency disrupt blood circulation, wounds can heal slowly or stop healing entirely.
Chronic wounds frequently develop due to:
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow to wounded areas and preventing proper healing.
- Venous Insufficiency: Damaged vein valves can cause blood to pool, slowing wound recovery and increasing infection risks.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, significantly impairing the body’s natural healing processes.
- Bacterial Colonization or Infection: Harmful bacteria can prevent wound closure and compromise healing, creating additional complications.
- Poor Circulation: Lifestyle factors like smoking can restrict blood flow, reducing the body’s ability to repair and heal damaged tissues.
Expert Care for Chronic Wounds
Our vascular specialists diagnose and treat wounds caused by vascular conditions. We focus on restoring blood flow, promoting healing, and preventing future complications.
Treatment Options for Chronic Wounds
We develop personalized treatment plans based on your specific wound and health needs:
- Compression Therapy: Specialized stockings and bandages improve circulation and reduce swelling, supporting the body’s natural healing process.
- Wound Debridement: This careful procedure removes non-living tissue, creating a clean environment that helps wounds heal more effectively.
- Advanced Dressings: We use specialized wound coverings designed to protect the injury and support healing, creating optimal conditions for recovery.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: This treatment increases oxygen supply to the wound, stimulating tissue repair and accelerating healing.
- Vacuum-Assisted Closure: We use controlled suction techniques that help wounds close more quickly and reduce the risk of infection.
- Skin Grafts: When needed, we can transplant or use skin substitutes to help close wounds and restore skin integrity.
PAD-Specific Treatments
When peripheral artery disease (PAD) interferes with wound healing, we offer targeted treatments to improve blood circulation:
Medications
We prescribe medications to thin blood, manage cholesterol, and enhance blood flow. These treatments help address underlying conditions that restrict circulation.
Angioplasty and Stent Placement
This procedure reopens narrowed arteries, restoring blood flow to injured tissues. By widening blocked blood vessels, we help improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to wounds.
Bypass Surgery
When arteries are severely blocked, we can create a new path for blood to flow. This surgical approach ensures critical tissues receive the blood supply needed for healing.
What Our Patients Have to Say
IAC Accredited Vascular Testing
We are proud to be distinguished as an IAC Accredited Vascular Testing Facility. The Vein Institute adheres to the strictest national guidelines for vascular testing, demonstrating a commitment to the highest quality patient care.
