The Center for Advanced Wound Healing and Lymphedema Therapy at Saint Francis is one of New England's largest and most modern medical facilities dedicated to the treatment of patients with acute and chronic wounds and extremity swelling. Located on the Mount Sinai campus in Hartford, CT, the Center for Advanced Wound Healing (CAWH) offers a multidisciplinary approach in a state-of-the-art setting.

OUR CLINICAL STAFF:

Laurie Anne Loiacono, MD, FCCP
N. Chandra Narayanan, MD, FACS
Ann Navage, APRN, CWOCN
Glenda Thomas, APRN, CWOCN
Nicole Sawka, RN
H. Pete West, LPN

OUR ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF:

Ada Rossi, Program Coordinatior
Nanette Miranda, Secretary III
Danielle Betts, Secretary III

CENTER FOR ADVANCED WOUND HEALING AND LYMPHEDEMA THERAPY

500 Blue Hills Avenue
Hartford, CT 06112
Phone: (860) 714-3010
Fax: (860) 714-8592

Wound Center Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For an appointment please call:
(860) 714-3010

Lymphedema Center Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For an appointment please call:
(860) 714-3437

NAVIX DIAGNOSTIX

Hours of Operation:
Monday & Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For an appointment please call:
(860) 714-3010

GOALS:

The primary goal of the Center for Advanced Wound Healing (CAWH) is to promote healing of acute and chronic wounds for our patients. We also strive to set up cost-effective wound management programs and educate our patients, their families, and other caregivers about treatment options and measures to prevent wound recurrences.

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

Our comprehensive program for healing wounds features:

A proven, evidence-based, clinical approach to wound care management
A specialized care team of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals who have extensive clinical expertise in wound management, advanced training, and accreditation in wound care
Individualized treatment plans that take into account each patient's other healthcare needs
Open communication with patients' primary care, subspecialty, and referring physicians
A modern suite of offices, private treatment rooms, and specialized medical equipment, such as low-rise electric exam tables, designed to make our patients comfortable and confident

TYPES OF WOUNDS TREATED:

CAWH treats patients with virtually every type of wound, including: venous leg ulcers; diabetic foot wounds; pressure ulcers (decubitus ulcers); traumatic wounds; non- healing surgical wounds; and other acute and chronic wound conditions.

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Following comprehensive medical, surgical, and vascular assessments, CAWH provides a wide range of therapies specifically designed to help promote the healing process. These therapies can include treatment of infection, chemical and/or mechanical debridement, compression therapy, complete decongestive therapy, hydrotherapy, prosthetic evaluation and/or adjustment, and nutrition assessment.

WOUND EVALUATION:

Our staff takes a complete health history, determines the cause of the wound, and examines any existing health factors that may affect the wound-healing process. Each patient's wounds and wound areas are then thoroughly assessed, measured, and photographed to help track the progress of wound healing.

PLAN OF CARE:

The multidisciplinary CAWH team develops a plan of care specific to each patient's needs, living situations, lifestyles, and other factors. The team collaborates with the patient's primary care or referring physician and other services - such as a visiting nurse or home health aide - as well as family members or caregivers to help ensure that the patient receives appropriate care at home.

EDUCATION:

The CAWH staff helps educate patients and their families in the fundamentals of basic wound care. We can teach caregivers how to perform the wound care and show them how to use the products we've chosen for that wound. We will help patients understand how modifying their lifestyle can help the healing process. We also discuss with patients and their families any additional treatment options that might be helpful.

INFECTION MANAGEMENT:

Using wound, tissue and blood cultures and/or biopsies, we will diagnose the causes of infections and prescribe the appropriate medications or treatment options.

SUPPORT SURFACE RECOMMENDATIONS:

If there is a need to limit or relieve pressure on a wound area, the wound specialists at CAWH may prescribe specialty products, such as mattresses, chair cushions, or footwear and will help the patient understand their use. If insurance approval is required for a plan of care to begin, we will make every effort to assist in the approval process.

OSTOMY CARE:

CAWH clinical staff includes certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurses who perform preoperative stoma marking and postoperative consultation regarding pouching options. They also make product recommendations for continuing care of patients with urinary or fecal diversion.

VASCULAR SERVICES:

CAWH offers on-site vascular studies through Navix Diagnostix. When appropriate, a certified vascular technician performs lower leg arterial and venous exams to assist in the diagnosis of vascular (blood flow) problems that may effect wound healing.

LYMPHEDEMA THERAPY:

Lymphedema therapy helps relieve swelling in extremities and other areas of the body that can result from trauma, surgery, infection, disease or other factors. CAWH is affiliated with the Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, which has two experienced occupational therapists trained in lymphedema therapy and massage. The lymphedema team develops a course of therapy to help the body reabsorb accumulated fluid and reduce swelling. The therapies used may include manual lymph drainage (massage), bandaging, pneumatic compression, compression garments, exercise, and skin care. The Center features three private treatment rooms dedicated to the comfort and optimal management of our lymphedema therapy patients.

REFERRALS:

The Center for Advanced Wound Healing recognizes the important role that a patient's primary care, subspecialty, or referring physicians and nurses play in the diagnosis and treatment of, and follow-up with, patients who have acute or chronic wounds. We are dedicated to working closely with referring physicians and nurses to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan that keeps the patient and the patient's doctors, as well as designated family members or auxiliary caregivers, well-informed at every stage of treatment.