This episode is part of Season 5 of The Pressure Effect, focused on pressure injury closure using cellular tissue-based products. Host Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Allen Raphael, a podiatry specialist based in Smyrna, Georgia with more than 20 years of experience in wound care and limb salvage.

They walk through a compelling heel pressure injury case involving an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities,including diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Dr. Raphael explains how early surgical intervention, the use of cryopreserved umbilical cord tissue, and coordinated care helped avoid amputation and lead to full wound closure.

The conversation covers surgical strategy, wound bed preparation, CTP integration, offloading techniques, and the critical role of patient and family education in long-term outcomes. A must-listen for clinicians working with medically complex or immobile patients.

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The challenges of wound care don’t look the same in every setting. Clinicians working in rural or resource-limited environments often have to think differently—especially when treating complex pressure injuries.

In this episode—part of our Season 5 series on pressure injury closure using cellular tissue products—Dr. Lee Ruotsi speaks with Dr. Vilayvanh Saysoukha, a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and founder of Premier Foot & Ankle Centers of Tennessee. They walk through a unique case involving a dorsal foot pressure injury complicated by diabetes, vascular disease, and limited access to specialty care.

Dr. Saysoukha shares how her team managed the wound using surgical debridement, cellular tissue products, and negative pressure wound therapy, while also addressing broader care coordination challenges. The conversation highlights the value of adaptability, communication, and patient-centered planning.

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Effective management of a complex pressure injury requires more than standard wound care. It involves timely clinical intervention, surgical decision-making, and the integration of advanced therapeutic options to support optimal healing.

This episode is part of Season Five of The Pressure Effect, a series dedicated to pressure injury closure utilizing cellular and tissue-based products. In this discussion, host Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Eric Yang, MD, FACS, CWS—Medical Director of the University of Chicago Medicine Advent Health Wound Care Center in La Grange. Dr. Yang presents a detailed case study involving a young paraplegic patient with a significant sacral pressure injury. He outlines his clinical approach, beginning with surgical debridement and extending through the use of negative pressure wound therapy and cellular tissue products. 

The episode highlights important considerations in both inpatient and outpatient care and underscores strategies to avoid flap surgery while achieving durable closure. 

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Pressure injuries caused by improperly managed dressings can lead to severe complications, especially in high-risk patients. 

In this episode of The Pressure Effect, Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Charles Parks, DPM, Chief of Podiatry at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. This conversation is part of our Season 5 series focused on pressure injury closure with the use of cellular and tissue-based products. 

Dr. Parks shares his clinical decision-making, from debridement and wound bed prep to the use of a CTP and post-operative care strategies. They also dig into the patient’s complex medical profile, how adherence influenced outcomes, and the layered realities of wound care in a trauma hospital setting.

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In this episode of The Pressure Effect, Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Bernadette Walters, a clinical nurse specialist and wound care expert, as they discuss strategies for assessing and treating pressure injuries. Dr. Walters shares her journey from trauma nurse to wound care specialist, offering valuable insights into her role in rural healthcare and wound care management. Together, they explore the challenges of providing wound care in rural areas, the importance of collaboration in patient care, and key strategies for assessing and managing pressure injuries. Dr. Walters also highlights the essential steps in developing a treatment plan, including nutrition, mobility, and the decision-making process for surgical referrals. Plus, she discusses the critical role of patient and family education in improving outcomes. Listen to this episode for expert advice on managing pressure injuries and the importance of a holistic approach to wound care.

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Welcome to The Pressure Effect from Smith+Nephew, a podcast dedicated to advancing knowledge in wound care and pressure injury prevention. In this episode, host Dr. Lee Ruotsi welcomes Dot Weir, RN, CWOCN, CWS, a seasoned wound care expert with over 40 years of experience, to explore the critical topic of infection management in pressure injuries. Dot shares her insights on identifying the early signs of infection, differentiating between normal inflammatory responses and true infection, and the impact of biofilm on wound healing. Dot also highlights the importance of good wound hygiene, antimicrobial stewardship, and the role of patient education in optimizing outcomes. Whether you’re a new clinician or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers actionable insights to enhance your infection management strategies.

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Welcome to The Pressure Effect from Smith+Nephew, the podcast dedicated to exploring innovative solutions for wound care and pressure injury prevention. In this episode, host Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Richard Franklin, Medical Director at MVS Wound Care and Hyperbarics in Maryland, to delve into the complexities of debridement in treating pressure injuries.  Dr. Franklin shares his journey from general surgery to full-time wound care, offering valuable insights into the critical factors that guide debridement decisions. The discussion covers patient assessment, including the importance of understanding comorbidities, vascular health, and living conditions. It also addresses how to evaluate ulcers based on their location, depth, and tissue characteristics, as well as how these factors influence the approach to treatment.  Plus, the episode explores various debridement techniques, from sharp surgical tools and enzymatic agents to alternative therapies like hyperbaric oxygen. Dr. Franklin offers practical tips for enhancing patient comfort, such as using topical anesthetics, and discusses innovative tools like contact ultrasound that can improve clinical outcomes.  Whether you’re an experienced clinician or new to wound care, this episode is filled with actionable strategies to elevate your practice and optimize patient results. Don’t miss it!

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Advanced Practice Nurse and Wound Care Specialist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Susan Hermida joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi on this episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.  Together, they dive into the complexities of pressure injury treatment, focusing on the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy.  Susan shares real-world insights, tips for handling challenging wounds, and breaks down misconceptions about this therapy. They also discuss the latest equipment, compare treatment options, and highlight the convenience of PICO dressings for smaller wounds.  Packed with practical advice, this episode is perfect for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in wound care innovation.  So press play and make sure you don't miss this informative and engaging edition of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.

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Wound Care Nurse Consultant, Sue Creehan, MSN, RN, CWON, joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi on this episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.  Together they dive into the complexities of reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries, the financial burden they pose on healthcare institutions, and the importance of implementing comprehensive prevention programs. Sue also shares her experience developing a successful program at Virginia Commonwealth University, emphasizing the need for evidence-based bedside practices, individualized care, and organizational involvement at all levels. They also discuss prophylactic dressing standard initiatives, which aim to identify clinically effective dressings and prevent patient harm. Throughout the conversation, Sue and Dr. Lee highlight the significance of engaging healthcare providers, utilizing multilayer foam dressings with proven effectiveness, and staying informed about the latest research in the field.  So press play and make sure you don't miss this informative and engaging episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.

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Tracey L. Yap, RN, PhD, professor in the Duke University School of Nursing, and a Senior Fellow in the Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi.  Together, they discuss the cost of implementing a pressure injury prevention program and how to justify that cost to your organization’s CFO.  Plus, Tracey shares her background in healthcare, experience with pressure injuries, and insights on the benefits and challenges of implementing prevention programs. She also provides strategies for nursing organizations to justify the costs and offers recommendations for first steps in starting a program. So press play and make sure you don't miss this informative and engaging episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.

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