Compression stockings with a negative pressure gradient have a more pronounced effect on venous pumping function than graduated elastic compression stockings.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To measure the effect on the venous pumping function of a stocking providing a negative pressure gradient with higher pressures over the calf in comparison to a conventional graduated elastic compression stocking (GECS) in patients with advanced venous insufficiency.

DESIGN:

Experimental study.

MATERIAL:

30 patients with severe superficial chronic venous insufficiency were enrolled. Two elastic stocking designs exerting a pressure at ankle between 15 and 25 mm Hg were compared; a conventional GECS and a stocking exerting a higher pressure over the calf than over the ankle producing a "progressive" increase in compression (PECS).

METHOD:

the venous calf pumping function was assessed by measuring the ejection fraction (EF) from the lower leg by a plethysmographic method during a standardised exercise. Interface pressure of the 2 compression devices was simultaneously recorded both at B1 = 12 cm above ankle, C = just above widest part of calf.

RESULTS:

The mean increase of EF produced by PECS was +75% (95 CI 48, 7-101,3) compared with +32% (95% CI 16, 8-48,6) with GECS (P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between EF and the stocking pressure measured at calf level during standing and walking.

CONCLUSION:

Stockings exerting a higher pressure on the calf than on the ankle show a greater efficacy in increasing the venous ejection fraction from the leg.

• Authors: G Mosti, H Partsch
• Journal: European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg) Vol. 42 Issue 2 Pg. 261-6 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1532-2165 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21612949 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Analysis of Variance
• Chronic Disease
• Equipment Design
• Exercise Test
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Photoplethysmography
• Saphenous Vein (physiopathology)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Stockings, Compression
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Venous Insufficiency (diagnosis, physiopathology, therapy)
• Venous Pressure