Wound Management By Pulse Lavage

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 very important for obvious reasons. These must be properly managed so that the patient can begin with the healing process. Proper management also reduces the risk for infection. Necrotic tissues and bacteria must be removed from the wound bed to make way for the healing process. This way, open wounds can gradually repair and completely heal.

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 this technique, practitioners can adjust the pressure they use depending on the extent of necrotic tissue to be removed. The instrument used may be adjusted to have the right amount of force for the lavage. Those who are performing the procedure should check if pain is felt by the person in order to make adjustments as needed.

If there is pain, administration of analgesic medications would be necessary. Topical analgesic solution can be applied before the procedure to manage pain. The patient may take medications half an our prior to be relieved. If signs of infection begin to show, it is also necessary to administer antibiotics by adding it to the solution used.

In addition, it is also advised to warm the saline solution to be used. This will help speed the healing process. Due to physiologic processes, the wound bed ay cool down which slows the healing. This concern can be addressed by making the solution warm before it is applied. Once the wound is free from organisms, debris, and necrotic tissue, healing can take place.

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.

As this procedure is performed a lot of times, there are now devices specifically designed for it. These are precision instruments for wound cleaning. Such instruments can effectively remove necrotic tissues, bacteria, and foreign material. While these are mainly used for wounds, these can also be used for debriding bone surfaces during orthopedic surgeries.

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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