A Guide to Compression Therapy....
Venous Stasis Ulcers

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VENOUS STASIS ULCERS

Venous stasis, the cessation or impairment of venous flow, and the accompanying ulceration is a commonly occuring problem. Management of this condition presents a large problem to community nursing services and consumes considerable health care resources.

Venous stasis ulceration occurs as an end result of sustained high pressure in the veins of the lower extremities. Damage to either the deep or superficial veins then results. As the venous pressure rises and venous stasis occurs, capillaries are stretched and become more permeable. Protein leaks out of the vascular bed into the surrounding tissues. Fibrinogen is converted to fibrin and coats the capillaries, interfering with the exchange of oxygen and nutrients. Tissue breakdown begins and venous ulceration occurs.

Venous stasis leg ulcers are characteristically persistent and slow to heal - making a multifaceted treatment protocol necessary. Traditionally, many approaches have focused only on dressing systems which are directed to the wound healing process itself, as opposed to the underlying cause.

Treatment

Comprehensive care tar patients with vcnc'~s Leers must inclr~tlc local wound care and adequate compression therapy. Wound care protocol should include the following;

  • Debridement
  • Skin care
  • Infection control
  • Revascularization
  • Compression therapy

Ulcers should be cleaned with either peroxide, Dakin's solution or potassium perrnanganate once per day. Bio-occlusive dressings can be applied and changed every 2-7 days. These dressings promote formation of good granulation tissue and rapid healing.

Compression therapy protocol should include the following:

  • Medical Compression Stockings
  • Pneumatic Compression Pumps

In many cases, particularly in alder patients, the effective level of compression required is greater than that which the patient can tolerate. Thus, an alternative approach is to include a pneumatic compressions pump in the protocol. The compression pump reduces venous stasis by promoting venous blood flow and has been shown to enhance fibrinolytic activity. Compression therapy must continue after the ulcer is healed, often for the duration of the patient's lifetime.

Bio Compression Systems, Inc.

First name in compression science, offers clinicians a complete range of compression stockings and pneumatic compression devices and appliances to meet every clinical need and budget.

Venosan Compression Stockings

Venosan by Bio Compression brings compression stockings into a new age! Venosan offers patients a wide variety of styles, sizes, and compression classes in a choice of colors to meet every patient requirement.

The Grady'NT

The appliance sleeve that provides gradient pressure! Powered by the Circulator 1003, the sleeve produces gradient segmental compression to any extremity.

The Sequential 2004

A sequential, pneumatic compression device providing pre-determined gradient pressure. Available with E-Z Zip Biocomfort Sleeves. Can treat two extremities simultaneously.

The Sequential 3004

A segmental, pneumatic compression device with calibrated gradient pressure - can deliver individually determined pressure to each segment. Available with E-Z Zip Biocomfort Sleeves. Can treat two extremities simultaneously.

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