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.
Wounds can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, a person who is immobile or in a nursing home may develop bedsores because he or she is unable to rise from bed to ambulate and complete other activities. Other wounds may be caused by burns, cuts, or any number of other unfortunate incidents.
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.
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.
There are also different types of pressure that can be used with this technique. Certain researchers state that only low pressure irrigation should be conducted, while others claim that high pressure methods are not associated with any additional hazards. This decision is largely based on the type of wound the person sustained, as well as the opinion of the medical professional from whom he or she is receiving treatment. Studies overwhelmingly point to the fact that the wound's surrounding tissue is safer from exposure to bacteria and other foreign substances after pressurized irrigation is completed.
It is likely that pulse lavage will be used for many years to come on numerous patients. More studies are being conducted in order to fine tune the techniques used. Anyone suffering from a wound should consider speaking to his or her primary care practitioner about this cleansing method.
Wounds can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, a person who is immobile or in a nursing home may develop bedsores because he or she is unable to rise from bed to ambulate and complete other activities. Other wounds may be caused by burns, cuts, or any number of other unfortunate incidents.
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.
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.
There are also different types of pressure that can be used with this technique. Certain researchers state that only low pressure irrigation should be conducted, while others claim that high pressure methods are not associated with any additional hazards. This decision is largely based on the type of wound the person sustained, as well as the opinion of the medical professional from whom he or she is receiving treatment. Studies overwhelmingly point to the fact that the wound's surrounding tissue is safer from exposure to bacteria and other foreign substances after pressurized irrigation is completed.
It is likely that pulse lavage will be used for many years to come on numerous patients. More studies are being conducted in order to fine tune the techniques used. Anyone suffering from a wound should consider speaking to his or her primary care practitioner about this cleansing method.
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