Vaakumimeetmed

Vaakumimeetmed, meaning “vacuum methods” in Estonian, refer to techniques that use reduced ambient pressure to enable or enhance processes that are difficult or impossible at atmospheric pressure. The term covers a range of applications across medicine, science, and industry, united by the goal of leveraging a vacuum to control fluid flow, phase changes, or material properties.

In medicine, vacuum methods include negative-pressure wound therapy (vacuum-assisted closure) which applies suction to wounds to promote healing, and vacuum-assisted biopsy, where tissue samples are collected using suction. Vacuum aspiration is used in surgical settings to remove contents from body cavities, such as the uterus in some obstetric or gynecological procedures. Vacuum extraction devices (ventouse) may assist childbirth by providing external suction to help deliver a baby when indicated. These techniques require appropriate training, equipment, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

In science and industry, vacuum methods are employed for distillation, drying, filtration, and coating processes, where reduced pressure lowers boiling points, speeds evaporation, or prevents oxidation. Vacuum impregnation and resin infusion introduce liquids into porous materials, while vacuum packaging removes air to extend shelf life. Vacuum deposition and coating enable thin-film technologies in electronics and optics.

Common equipment includes vacuum pumps (rotary vane, piston, turbomolecular), vacuum chambers, gauges, and seals. Challenges involve maintaining leak-free systems, managing energy use, and ensuring safety. Vacuum methods continue to evolve with advances in pump technology, materials, and process control.

See also: vacuum technology; negative-pressure wound therapy; vacuum-assisted biopsy; vacuum packaging.