Burn unit research to increase quality of life for patients
For patients who are severely burned, scarring and pain are major concerns. Doctors at the Vancouver General Hospital Burn Unit are working hard to develop innovative treatments to reduce pain and increase quality of life.
Today, pressure garments are the standard care for scar reduction for severely burned patients. Not only are they hot and itchy, but they also need to be worn for a grueling 23 hours a day, 7 days a week and often for more than a year.
“The largest trial conducted found pressure therapy unsatisfactory, yet it remains the mainstay of scar improvement,” says Dr. Aziz Ghahary, internationally renowned authority in wound healing.
Dr. This Ghahary’s disconcerting lab is so fact important.is why the research taking place in The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory at VGH – comprised of a talented team of researchers led by Dr. Ghahary – is home to some of the most important discoveries and innovative healing treatments in the world.
In fact, Dr. Ghahary and his colleagues, Dr. Anthony Papp, the director of VGH Burn Unit, Dr. Morgan Evans and Dr. Ryan Hartwell are currently conducting a phase 1 clinical trial for a new anti-scarring drug. The trial is the first of its kind and is approved by both Health Canada and the VGH Ethics Committee. Successful completion of the trial will put the drug one step closer to being approved for the treatment of hypertrophic scarring – a common consequence of burn wound healing.
The Burn and Wound Healing Research Lab is developing new burn and wound devices and treatments that will reduce painful scarring and disfigurement caused by burns, traumatic injuries and surgery. Additionally, the team is focusing on investigating
treatments for non-healing wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers. This involves the development of a non-rejectable biological skin substitute that can be applied to a wound to allow the skin to
heal. If successful, Dr. Ghahary’s skin substitute system will dramatically improve burn and wound care around the world, enhancing the quality of life for patients with serious burns and reducing treatment costs.
Dr. Ghahary and his team have made additional discoveries that are contributing to significant advances in other fields. One day, his research may be used to prevent or treat diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and alopecia areata, an autoimmune
condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body.
“We are on the brink of remarkable new treatment options for patients with burns, wounds and other conditions. Without donor support, we would not have achieved what we have today,” says Dr. Ghahary.
The lottery is a partnership of the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund and VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation which help fund Dr. Ghahary’s research, as well as the Burn, Plastic and Trauma Unit at VGH.
"With the funds raised, we are able to support the Burn Unit at VGH, the only site in BC where severely burned patients can be constantly monitored and receive intensive specialized care. Proceeds will also help us purchase urgently needed medical equipment at VGH, the province's only Level One Trauma Centre," explains Barbara Grantham, President and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
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There are over 5,000 prizes including cars or cash, vacations, electronics, and cash cards. Hometown Heroes Lottery ticket buyers still have a chance to get in on the Early Bird prize draw, the deadline for the Early Bird is midnight June 25, draw on July 29. The lottery also features a 50/50 Plus jackpot that can grow up to $2.2 million.
With your purchase of Hometown Heroes Lottery tickets, BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund and VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation can continue doing important work to make a difference in burn survivors' lives.
“Ongoing support for the program will ensure we can continue to translate new discoveries into better patient care for people in British Columbia,” says Dr. Ghahary.
To purchase tickets, visit HeroesLottery.com or call 604 648 4376 or toll free 1 866 597 4376.