A technique for prevention of sudden pressure loss on emptying of irrigation bags during arthroscopic surgery using gravity-fed irrigation systems.
Gravity-fed irrigation systems in arthroscopic surgery are safe and cheap, but visualization can be impaired by fluctuations in in-flow pressure, which leads to bleeding and temporary disruption of surgery. We describe a gravity-fed irrigation system using differential hydrostatic pressures in sequentially arranged irrigation bags that can be independently raised and lowered. This technique maintains a relatively steady flow and intra-articular pressure, thereby improving the quality of irrigation without having to resort to the more expensive pressure infusion systems, and minimizing the need for surgery under tourniquet.
Davison
J A
JA
Droitwich Knee Clinic, United Kingdom.
Strover
A E
AE
D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D020679:Arthroscopes; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014111:Tourniquets