Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (Jun 2023)

A Novel Approach to Reducing Splash Exposure in Pulsatile Lavage

  • Candace L. Ward, MD, MPH,
  • Leonardo Kozian, MD,
  • Joseph Bartolacci, MD, PhD,
  • James C. Krupp, MD,
  • Murad J. Karadsheh, MD,
  • Eric S. Weiss, MD,
  • Sameer A. Patel, MD, FACS

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005016
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 6
p. e5016

Abstract

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Summary:. Pulsatile lavage is utilized to copiously irrigate contaminated wounds; however, the current devices can cause significant splashing and increase the risk of contaminated fluid exposure to healthcare professionals. To create a larger splash guard for the standard pulsatile lavage device, we use heavy scissors to remove the end of a plastic light handle. We then place the nozzle of the lavage device through the open end to create a larger splash guard. This method provides a quick, accessible way to decrease the risk of splash exposure due to pulsatile lavage irrigation.