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 term that describes the irrigation of a wound through a process that involves delivering a water-based solution to the area. This is usually completed under a particular degree of pressure, and an electric device is typically what is used to transport the solution to the area. The irrigation causes simultaneous pressure to be applied to the wound and is followed with suction, which in turn transports the solution away from the area. This cleansing technique eradicates infectious agents and debris from the surface of the wound.

Delivering suction and irrigation simultaneously is also possible. With this technique, the water irrigates one section of the area, while suctioning is performed on another section of the wound. However, for very small wounds, this technique may be challenging to implement.

This technique has come to be known by various names, including jet, mechanical, and pulsatile lavage. It is also frequently referred to as "high-pressure irrigation". All the aforementioned phrases essentially refer to the same method. Plain water may be used as a solution for the irrigation, or other substances may be added as determined by a wound care specialist, general doctor, or surgeon.

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 various levels of pressure that can be utilized with this cleansing method. Some medical scientists claim that only low pressure irrigation should be performed, while other professionals report that there are no additional risks associated with high-pressure techniques. This decision will largely depend on the kind of wound the individual sustained, as well as the opinion of the doctor or other practitioner from whom the patient is receiving treatment. Research has overwhelmingly pointed to the fact that tissue surrounding the wound is safer from exposure to foreign substances such as bacteria after pressurized irrigation is performed.

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.