Pulsed irrigation of extremity wounds: a simple technique for splashback reduction

Although blood and body fluid exposures are daily events often assumed to be unavoidable by operating room personnel, the potentially lethal consequences of blood-borne pathogen transmission demand preventive measures to minimize contamination risk. The authors outline a simple technique of extremity irrigation that uses a clear plastic isolation drape, pulsed lavage equipment, and surgical suction. They have found that this technique allows for thorough irrigation of wounds while providing optimal barrier protection.