A short review of diagnosis and compression therapy of chronic venous insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a venous disorder in the lower extremities associated with changes in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Treatment with short-stretch compression bandages is highly recommended for advanced stages of CVI. METHODS: The compression systems Rosidal Sys, Porelast, Coban, and Proguide were evaluated in 4 groups of mobile and active patients (n = 18) with CVI stage II or III. Sub-bandage pressures at point B1 were measured in the upright and supine positions 30 min and 12 h after the bandage was applied. Average pressures and values of the static stiffness index (SSI) were calculated for each group. RESULTS: The Porelast, Rosidal Sys and Coban systems had SSI values in excess of 10 mmHg, 30 min and 12 h after application. The corresponding values for Proguide were below 10 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Porelast, Rosidal Sys and Coban are very stiff systems, whereas Proguide is more similar to long-stretch compression bandages with a lower degree of stiffness.