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Abstract
In wound irrigation, the surface pressure at the wound is critical. Correct pressure ensures removal of bacteria and foreign debris without further tissue damage. Surface pressure measurements were performed for three irrigation devices, including a 500-ml bottle with four holes in the pouring cap, a 60 ml Syringe MonojectTM COVIDIENTM syringe, and a Sterile IRIG-8TM Wound Irrigation System from CENTURIONTM. A setup was designed to perform the measurements and subsequent data analysis. This setup included a 3D printed target, containers to catch the fluid, a force dynamometer, and a camera to capture the stream image. Doctors and nurses performed irrigation trials using the three devices. The pressure at the target area was calculated by dividing the time-dependent force by the cross-sectional area of the irrigation fluid stream/streams. An uncertainty analysis was completed to evaluate the measured pressure uncertainty. Mean, minimum, and maximum pressure values were calculated for each trail. The time to complete each trial was also recorded. A method for measuring the surface pressure in wound irrigation using various irrigation devices was realized.