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Pulse Lavage Is An Effective Wound Care Treatment

By Paulette Short


Proper debridement and cleansing of open wounds is vitally important with regard to wound care management. It speeds the process of healing, and inhibits infections from starting due to the presence of foreign bodies such as bacteria that may use the wound as a place to enter the person's body. Studies have been completed on a technique referred to pulse lavage debridement, during which the wound is cleansed with water, unlike conventional techniques that require that the area to remain dry.

There are many reasons a person may develop a wound. For instance, bed sores may afflict those who are immobile or nursing home residents who cannot leave their beds to exercise or participate in other activities. Other types of wounds may be the result of unfortunate incidents such as burns or cuts.

Pulse lavage is a phrase used to describe irrigating wounds through the delivery of a water-based solution. This is generally completed under a particular amount of pressure, and an electric device is typically utilized to transport the irrigation fluid. During the procedure, simultaneous pressure is applied to the area, and then the irrigation solution is suctioned from the wound. This technique eliminates debris and potentially infectious substances and eradicates them from the surface of the wound.

It is also possible to deliver the irrigation and suction simultaneously. With this method, the solution irrigates one area of the wound while suctioning another area. For wounds that are very small in circumference, it may be difficult to implement this technique, however.

This technique has come to be known by various names, including jet, mechanical, and pulsatile lavage. It is also frequently referred to as "high-pressure irrigation". All the aforementioned phrases essentially refer to the same method. Plain water may be used as a solution for the irrigation, or other substances may be added as determined by a wound care specialist, general doctor, or surgeon.

The military also uses this type of irrigation method. Using this procedure to debride and clean contaminated wounds that patients received in combat was determined to be a highly effective option for such individuals. In fact, the technique was first used in the 1960s on military personnel, and shortly thereafter it was performed on civilians. Although further studies are currently being conducted on its level of effectiveness and safety, this method is now universally accepted by most health care practitioners.

There are various levels of pressure that can be utilized with this cleansing method. Some medical scientists claim that only low pressure irrigation should be performed, while other professionals report that there are no additional risks associated with high-pressure techniques. This decision will largely depend on the kind of wound the individual sustained, as well as the opinion of the doctor or other practitioner from whom the patient is receiving treatment. Research has overwhelmingly pointed to the fact that tissue surrounding the wound is safer from exposure to foreign substances such as bacteria after pressurized irrigation is performed.

Most experts agree that pulse lavage will be performed frequently in the coming years. The techniques used will be further developed as more research is completed. Individuals suffering from wounds should speak to their family physician or surgeon concerning this cleaning and debriding method.




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