Intraoperative, as well as post-operative wound cleaning, is an essential practice that requires proper irrigation of the surgical area. This irrigation is particularly helpful in removing the debris or any fluid buildup near the wound thus speeding up the healing process and reducing the pain. For this purpose, many irrigation devices are manufactured and marketed, one of which is the InterPulse lavage system.
What is InterPulse?
InterPulse is a battery-operated pulsed lavage system intended to be used for the cleaning of wound debris. This irrigation handpiece is sterile as well as disposable in nature.
InterPulse lavage system
Structure of InterPulse irrigation system
The InterPulse lavage system consists of the following parts:
- Irrigation handpiece: The irrigation handpiece is the battery-operated structure to which the tip is attached. It has a protective plug to lock the device when not in use or at its full-pressure operation.
Handpiece of InterPulse irrigation device
- Irrigation tubing: The irrigation tube is a plastic tunnel-shaped cylindrical device that is attached to the handpiece. This performs the job of delivering the irrigation solution to the target tissue.
- Irrigation tips: The flow rate of the irrigation solution through the InterPulse lavage system is kept at 100 ml/min. However, it can be adjusted to an increased value of 1500 ml/min simply by changing the tips attached to the instrument. These irrigation tips, along with the flow rate, also determine the flow pattern. Moreover, these irrigation tips can be lightened with a bulb to get a better view of the irrigation site when the device is in use.
Different irrigation tips of InterPulse irrigation system
Front view of the soft tip
- Suction tips: The suction tip is the nozzle area of the suction tube.
- Suction tubing: A suction tube is necessary for the clearing of the irrigation fluid out of the wound site.
- Splash shields: The splash shields or splash guards specify the distance between the device tip and the target area. In the case of the InterPulse device, the distance is usually 19.0 mm.
- Protective plug: After use, the protective plug can be used to lock the device. This keeps the device inactive until the next use on the same patient.
Protective lock on the handpiece
Working of InterPulse lavage system
The InterPulse lavage system works on a similar principle as that of the wet-vacuum technology. The system pushes a pressurized irrigation solution at the site of the wound which stays inside the body for a few seconds. Once the cleaning is done, the irrigation fluid is then suctioned out. This used solution now carries the wound debris, exudates as well as bacteria. Thus, it can be used for bacterial sampling.
Applications of InterPulse
The InterPulse irrigation system finds application in the following:
- The InterPulse system can be employed to clean the wound and clear off the debris both acutely as well as chronically i.e. more than once. For this purpose, a fluid pressure of not more than 15 psi is required.
- It can also be used to clean the post-operative discharges at the site which has been stitched.
- Debridement of the soft tissue is also an application of the InterPulse system. A common example of this is sub-dermal irrigation after abdominal surgery.
- The pulsated irrigation device can be employed to clear out the necrotic tissue from the trauma and burnt
- Sores at the extremities can be irrigated using an InterPulse device.
- The interPulse system particularly finds utilization in orthopedic Irrigation of bone and joints is a common example of the application of irrigation devices. Similarly, hip and knee replacement surgeries as well as spinal implants can also utilize irrigation devices.
- DNA sampling can also be performed through the implementation of irrigation techniques.
- InterPulse, apart from the function of irrigation, can also be used to collect samples from certain body parts which can help evaluate the bacterial buildup at the surgical site. This serves as an easy way of estimating the types of infections in the wounded area.
Advantages of InterPulse device
The InterPulse irrigation system has the following advantages over the other available irrigation systems:
- The process is easy to carry.
- The interPulse device is more economical as compared to the other available options for wound irrigation.
- It has been reported that with the use of the InterPulse lavage system, the chances of bacterial contamination are minimized.
- Due to the irrigation, the wound remains hydrated and thus moisturized. This reduces the pain to an extent as well as improves recovery.
Precautionary measures
The following measures must be kept in mind while irrigating a wound using an InterPulse device:
- The pressure of the irrigation solution must be set according to the target area and the function intended to be performed. A pressure exceeding 15 psi can push the bacteria further into the wound thus elevating the chances of an infection.
- The irrigation process can be painful for the patient, especially at higher pressure. Hence, the patient’s convenience must be kept in mind while adjusting the pressure of the irrigation solution.
- The temperature of the irrigation solution must not be low as this can reduce the temperature of the tissue causing vasoconstriction. In this state, lesser oxygen and nutrients are supplied to the wounded area hence delaying the healing process.
Conclusion
The InterPulse irrigation device is one of the best options available for the cleaning of wounds during and after surgery. It is a sterile device that is safe and efficacious in its functionality. Its ease of utilization is one of the key factors for its vast application. With the availability of a wide variety of tips, the InterPulse device can be employed to serve different functions. Hence, the InterPulse irrigation system is a major player in the field of medical therapy.
