Pulsed lavage uses a wound irrigator under pressure, which is powered by an electronic device, to irrigate and cleanse the wound. Saline or tap water is typically used as the irrigator. Using a handheld device, fluid flow pressure is controlled with automatic interruption of the flow. When suction is used along with pulsed lavage, negative pressure is applied to the wound bed, which allows for removal of the irrigator. Negative pressure is applied to remove pathogens and to promote epithelialization, removal of pathogens, formation of granulation tissue and perfusion of local tissue.