Thursday, October 3, 2013

Pulse Lavage Is An Effective Wound Care Treatment

By Paulette Short


Appropriate cleansing and debridement of wounds that are opened to the air is an important part of wound care management. This is because such techniques prevent infections from taking place due to foreign bodies such as bacteria that may attempt to enter the person's body through the wound. Such treatment also facilitates the healing process. Studies have been completed on a type of treatment called pulse lavage, during which the wound is cleansed with water. This method is different from conventional techniques that require the area be kept 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 kind of cleaning and debridement technique is known by many different names. The latter include pulsatile, jet, or mechanical lavage, as well as "high pressure irrigation". All refer to the same procedure. Plain water may be used as the irrigation solution, or other substances may be added according to what the patient's physician, surgeon, or wound care specialist thinks is best.

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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