Text and Atlas of Wound Diagnosis and Treatment, 2e

Chapter 17: Pulsed Lavage with Suction

Karen A. Gibbs; Rose L. Hamm

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter, the learner will be able to:

Describe the mechanical effects of pulsed lavage with suction at the cellular and tissue levels.
Select patient situations when the use of pulsed lavage with suction might be indicated.
Relate advantages and disadvantages of using pulsed lavage with suction for wound healing.
Apply precautions during the use of pulsed lavage with suction for a wound treatment.
Follow infection control precautions during treatment using pulsed lavage with suction.

Pulsed lavage with suction (PLWS) is a portable, battery-powered, handheld device with two primary components: (1) the pulsed delivery of sterile irrigation fluid onto the wound surface and (2) the simultaneous suction and removal of contaminated irrigation fluid and wound debris (FIGURE 17-1). The combination of pulsed lavage with concurrent suction has been shown to be beneficial in wound healing.¹ Literature supports the use of PLWS for wound cleansing, removal of topical agents, irrigation, mechanical debridement, reduction of surface bacteria, and stimulation of cells associated with tissue healing and wound closure.^2–4

FIGURE 17-1

Components of pulsed lavage with suction Irrigation fluid flows from the irrigation bag, through the tubing, into the handpiece, and through a central opening in the tip. As it is pulsed onto the wound bed, the contaminated fluid is suctioned through a concentric outer opening and into the tubing that goes to the suction canister. Setup of the equipment includes proper connection of all the tubing ends into the bag and the canister!

A tube extends from the suction cup to the base of the wound. The tube consists of a central hole for clean water that is pumped into the wound. This hole is surrounded by a disc with smaller holes for suctioning contaminated fluid from the wound. The contaminated fluid rises through the contaminated tubing and is emptied in a suction canister. The irrigation fluid passes through another tubing and into the wound.

View Full Size||Download Slide (.ppt)

PLWS has been utilized in health care for decades beginning in the 1960s when US Army physicians first adapted modified WaterPik units for the irrigation of contaminated combat wounds.^5–8 The original systems have been advanced to light-weight portable units that are currently used for both surgical irrigation and wound management in the in-patient, outpatient, and home health settings.⁹ The gun-like shape of the handpiece makes the device easy to grip and maneuver and an assortment of tips adapt to different wound sizes and locations (FIGURE 17-2). The basic equipment requirements are essentially the same for any system, and are listed in TABLE 17-1.

FIGURE 17-2

Photo of handpiece The pulsed lavage handpiece pulses sterile normal saline solution into the wound with a controlled psi and suctions the contaminated fluid into a closed suction container. Note how the therapist's fingers are used to maintain good contact of the tip with the tissue. This helps prevent spillage and aerosolization of the fluid, directs the flow of the solution into the desired area, and provides maximum benefit of negative pressure stimulation. PLWS provides a sterile, closed system for irrigating open wounds in a variety of settings.