Using Pulse Lavage For Wound Management

By Teri Farley


Pulse lavage is one method used for cleaning wounds. This is a mechanical hydrotherapy which involves using pressurized saline solution for cleaning and debriding wounds. The solution is used to irrigate wound debris and some necrotic tissues. Most often, suction is used in combination with this to remove the solution used. Many clinical settings practice this method to manage wounded patients.

Wound cleaning is obviously important for many reasons. Any kind of wound should be properly managed to start the healing process sooner. With proper management of the wound, the patient's risk for infection will be reduced. It is very important to remove necrotic tissue and organisms such as bacteria from the wound. This way, the healing process can begin to progress.

The primary purpose of this procedure is to promote growth of tissue. For this to happen, other debris on the wound must be removed without harming normal underlying tissues. The negative pressure from the suction can also stimulate granulation of tissue. This procedure is done with the use of specific instruments to be operated by trained practitioners.

When performing the procedure, the force or pressure applied may be adjusted depending on the amount of necrotic tissue that has to be removed. Adjustments can be made through the instrument used for the lavage. Practitioners in charge of the procedure should know if the patient feels any pain before, during, or after the procedure to make adjustments as necessary.

In the event that the patient has pain, analgesics can also be administered. Prior to the procedure, application of topical analgesic solution may be necessary as well. Patients who are likely to experience pain during the process can be given pain medications half an hour before the procedure. If there are signs of infection, antibiotics can also be added.

In addition, the saline solution used should be warmed to speed up the healing process. The wound bed cools physiologically and this may slow down healing. This effect can be countered by warming the saline solution prior to application. Once the procedure is completed, patients will be able to heal better with their wound free from necrotic tissue, organisms, and debris.

This technique costs less unlike other methods. For such reasons, this is used in different clinical settings. Some hospitals practice this as part of their bedside care. This is also applied in long term care settings, small clinics, and outpatient departments. Patients who need wound cleaning daily, weekly, or whenever necessary can be treated by practitioners.

With this procedure often performed nowadays, devices have been made for this exact purpose. Precision instruments are now designed for effective wound cleaning. These tools are used to remove foreign materials, bacteria, and necrotic tissue. While these are primarily intended for wound care, practitioners can also use these during orthopedic operations to debride surface of bones.

Healing is very important for any patient suffering from any condition. When it comes to wounds, it is also important to realize the significance of pulse lavage. Patients would need effective methods to manage their condition. With skills of healthcare practitioners, this procedure can be performed the correct way thereby helping patients heal faster.




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