February 20, 2008

Innovative Stem Cell Procedure By Broadlawns Physicians Improves Healing of Chronic Wounds

Des Moines, February 20, 2008 –  An innovative procedure using stem cells is resulting in faster healing of patients with chronic wounds. Research conducted by Lee C. Rogers, DPM and Nicholas J. Bevilacqua, DPM of the Amputation Prevention Center at Broadlawns Medical Center showed that patients with lower extremity wounds are healing faster and the wound sites are more quickly prepared for skin grafting as the use of stem cells in the wounds improves the natural healing process.

Rogers and Bevilacqua recently published the results of an adult stem cell trial for lower extremity wounds which appeared in the International Wound Journal.  The article reports on three patients who underwent stem cell treatment  for their chronic wounds due to diabetes or poor veins. In each case, the stem cells were taken from the patient’s bone marrow and injected into the wound margins, where they contributed to the permanent healing process.

“We have since performed this procedure on more patients at Broadlawns which has shown a tremendous impact in speeding these wounds to healing,” said Rogers, the study’s lead author and Director of the Broadlawns center.

The concept for this procedure and research previously won first place at a national scientific competition in Philadelphia, Pa., last August.  “We are excited to offer this leading-edge treatment at Broadlawns,” said Bevilacqua. “In addition to the obvious benefits of faster healing, we believe we’re able to prevent some limbs from being amputated.”

About Broadlawns

With a history that reaches back to 1903 as a community health center, Broadlawns Medical Center first opened its doors as a hospital to the residents of Polk County on April 13, 1924. 

Over the years, Broadlawns has adapted to the changing demands of public health care, yet remained true to its mission of offering quality health services to all Polk County residents and training tomorrow’s health care professionals. Today, Broadlawns Medical Center is composed of:

• An acute care community hospital serving medical, surgical, mental health and primary care needs
• A 60-member physician practice overseeing numerous specialty clinics and outpatient services including advanced foot and ankle, amputation prevention, dental, family health, pain management and pediatrics.
• A family medicine residency program that graduates physician leaders who today serve in 22 of Iowa’s 99 counties.

 

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