Importance

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Abstract

A wound irrigation apparatus and process for safe cleansing of body wounds includes a pressure bladder disposed proximate a membrane sac holding a cleaning solution. Pressurizing the pressure bladder controllably pressurizes the cleaning solution. A conduit communicates the pressurized cleaning solution to a three-way valve. Operation of the normally off valve allows a steady stream of cleaning solution at a pressure of less than one atmosphere to be selectively directed to a wound for cleaning. The three-way valve includes an intermediate position which directs a gently pulsating stream of cleaning solution to the wound for enhanced cleaning action. The pulsation rate is directly dependent upon the pressure of the fluid and may be controlled. The valve includes a first elastic part and a second elastic part. The first part has an inlet with a larger diameter chamber into which the second part extends to form an integral valve unit. The second part includes a closed base within the chamber having a closed slit which is operable upon application of a compression force. The compression force resiliently collapses the closedbase end opening an orifice. Fluid flows through the orifice from the chamber out an outlet of the second part. Application of an intermediate compression force imparts a pulsation to the fluid stream emerging from the outlet.

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First Claim