OLATHE, KAN – Olathe Medical Center (OMC) will open its new Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center on Dec. 8.

The program specializes in the treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds. The center also features state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a treatment in which the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen inside a pressurized chamber.

"We are excited to add this vital service to the continuum of care," said Frank H. Devocelle, President/CEO of OMC. "Our entire wound care team is dedicated to healing problem wounds and helping our patients to reclaim their quality of life."

HBOT quickly delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream and assists in the healing process of wounds. It is also effective in fighting certain types of infections, stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and improves circulation. HBOT is also used to treat crush injuries, some types of infections, skin grafts and flaps, brown recluse spider bites and diabetic wounds of the lower extremity.

Nationally, approximately 7 million people suffer from wounds that will not heal--a serious problem that can lead to amputation of limbs and dramatically impaired quality of life. Associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins and immobility, non-healing wounds occur most frequently in the elderly and people with diabetes--populations that are sharply rising as the nation ages and chronic diseases increase.