Comparison of Wound Debridement Pressures With Updated Tests

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Wound debridement is one of the key treatment methods for chronic and acute wounds. Various tools are used to perform debridement, but the force applied to the tissue by these different instruments has been poorly documented in a limited number of past research efforts. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to provide insight into the actual amount of pressure exerted on wound tissue. METHODS: We used a digital force transducer to measure the pressure applied by multiple combinations of angiocatheter needles (catheters), syringes, and other common debridement tools. The data obtained were compared with the pressure measurements reported by previous studies. The common standard used in research is a 35-mL syringe with a 19-gauge catheter with a pressure of 7 to 8 pounds per square inch (psi), which is regarded as the most effective for wound care. RESULTS: Many of the instruments measured in this experiment closely reflected the pressure measurements previously published in the research literature and are safe to use to properly irrigate wounds. However, some discrepancies were also found, ranging from a small psi variability to several psi. Further studies and testing may be beneficial to confirm the results of this experiment. CONCLUSION: Certain tools produced higher pressures that were not suitable for routine wound care. Findings from this study can also be used by clinicians to choose appropriate tools and to monitor pressure when they use various common irrigation tools.