Pulse lavage is a kind of mechanical hydrotherapy using saline solution to cleanse or debride wounds. This solution used is pressurized to effectively irrigate and remove wound debris and necrotic tissues. Most of the time, this is used with suction to get rid of the solution used. This procedure is done in a variety of clinical settings for patients with different types of wounds.

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 main purpose of the procedure is to aid in the growth of granulation tissues. In order for this to happen, wound debris should be removed without damaging normal underlying tissues. Negative pressure of the suction will also cause stimulation of granulation tissue. Specialized instruments are used to for this procedure and these will be operated by skilled practitioners.

When doing the procedure, the pressure or force used can be adjusted depending on how much necrotic tissue needs to be removed. The specific type of instrument used can be regulated to control the force of lavage. Practitioners performing the procedure must be aware of any pain felt by the patient during the process to make necessary adjustments.

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, 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 method also costs less in comparison to other procedures. It is for this practical reason that the procedure is used in numerous clinical settings. This is typically performed in hospitals as part of bedside care, small clinics, long term care centers, and outpatient departments. Patients who require wound care on a daily or weekly basis can be treated.

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 an important process for patients suffering from a condition. As for wounds, pulse lavage is a very significant procedure for proper healing. Any patient would need methods that are effective in managing their condition especially if it concerns deep wounds. With skillful healthcare practitioners, the procedure will be performed correctly thereby promoting faster recovery for the patient.