Tubular Compression in the Treatment of Venous Ulcers of the Leg: A New Graduated Tubular Device

Background: Compression treatment remains an effective method of healing of venous ulceration. Traditional bandaging techniques require considerable nursing time to apply. Elastic stockings are comfortable but patients find these difficult to put on over dressings. Aim: To develop a tubular compression bandage system that can be easily applied to patients with venous leg ulceration. Methods: A tubular bandage has been designed (Tubulcus) which applies 30-40 mmHg compression at the ankle with graduated compression above this. An applicator system has been designed (Tricolore) which allows the compression bandage to be applied over ulcer dressings. The device has been evaluated on a cylindrical former and an anatomical model of a leg, in order to assess its suitability for clinical trials. It has been compared with three types of compression bandage. Results: The tubular bandaging system provides sustained compression to be applied to leg ulcers whilst facilitating dressing changes. The graduated compression profile achieved with this system is more easily obtained than when using any of the three types of bandage. Conclusion: A system of application of elastic compression has been designed specifically for use in patients with venous ulceration. Clinical trials are now required to demonstrate the efficacy of this system.