Monday, October 7, 2013

Pulse Lavage Is An Effective Wound Care Treatment

By Paulette Short


Proper cleansing and debridement of an open wound is a vital part of wound care management. It facilitates the healing process, and prevents infections from occurring due to bacteria and other foreign bodies that may use the wound as a portal of entry. Research has been conducted on a method of debridement referred to as pulse lavage, where the wound is cleaned with water, unlike traditional methods that require keeping the area 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 refers to the delivering of a water-based solution for the purpose of irrigating a wound. This is typically done under a specific level of pressure, and the solution is passed through a device that is run by electricity. The irrigation results in simultaneous pressure being applied to the area and is followed with suction, the latter of which removes the irrigation solution from the wound. This cleansing method eliminates debris and infectious agents from the wound's surface.

Additionally, irrigation and suction can be delivered to the area simultaneously. During this procedure, the water irrigates one section of the wound while the other area is being suction. However, it may be challenging to implement this technique on wounds that feature a narrow circumference.

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.

This technique is associated with different irrigation pressure levels. Some clinical researchers claim that only low-pressure should be applied when irrigating a wound, while other state that high-pressure irrigation is not any more dangerous than the aforementioned pressure. The level of pressure used will depend on the severity of the wound, as well as the advice of the patient's attending physician. In addition, research has indicated that the tissue surrounding the injury will be protected from foreign bodies, such as bacteria, following pressurized irrigation.

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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