TWC_Feb2010_INfectionControlInTheClinic:pA2_W07_Staff.qxd 4/7/11 4:17 PM Page 22
infectioncontrol
that you recently installed the largest hyperbaric chamber in the United States. JAN: The backbone of the St. Luke’s hyperbaric program for over 40 years has been our 2 multiplace hyperbaric chambers, affectionately nicknamed Bonnie and Clyde. Bonnie and Clyde were operated nearly every day and have allowed tens of thousands of patients to be treated with hyperbaric oxygen over the years. Unfortunately as with all types of mechanical equipment, our hyperbaric chambers began to show the effects of age and wear and tear. We made the decision to replace Bonnie and Clyde with newer hyperbaric technology. We accepted delivery of our new hyperbaric 63
Wound Clinic Wisdom
chamber in April 2008. Installation and testing were completed in May of last year and we treated our first patients in June of 2009. TWC: Is the new chamber the largest in the country? JAN: It is quite big. The chamber is 52-foot-long and weighs 66-tons. It is a triple lock chamber, which provides us with the capability of treating up to 24 patients at one time. Based on weight it is the largest in the U.S. TWC: I understand that the chamber was transported to Milwaukee from Australia. Why an Australian chamber? JAN: Yes, our chamber was designed and built by Fink Engineering, a hyper-
baric manufacturing company located in Australia. The chamber was fabricated in Australia, shipped to Los Angles and then transported by flat bed truck to Milwaukee. We have been working on this renovation project for over 6 years.At the time Fink was the only company producing a rectangular hyperbaric chamber. We wanted the best and most current technology for our patients and thus we contracted with Fink several years ago. The square design feature provides more patient comfort and space, extra treatment capacity, better esthetics and minimal claustrophobia. This design is now available from many other chamber companies, including US based companies such as Oxy-Heal. TWC: Your facility and new chamber sound impressive. I am sure that you have been providing tours for many individuals since you have opened. JAN: Yes, we certainly have been a medical “tourist attraction” this past year. Would you like to cyber-journey with me to Milwaukee right now? I would be happy to provide a cyber-tour of The Center for Comprehensive Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to you and the readership. We will see Bonnie and Clyde as well as our new multiplace. Please follow this link http://www.webcme.net/medicalCME Courses.asp?c=21 TWC: That was fabulous. Thank you for the wonderful experience. What types of patients are typically treated with HBOT? JAN: I am glad that you enjoyed the tour. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is primarily used to help treat difficult wounds, and when integrated into Wound Care Center or Limb Salvage Program, HBOT can literally save the lives and limbs of patients at risk for lower extremity amputation due chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and arterial vascular disease. HBOT is also used in the management of severe carbon monoxide poisoning and a variety of other medical conditions. On a daily basis we typically treat between 24-30 patients. Our largest volume day was several months ago when we treated 38 www.todayswoundclinic.com