Is low compression pressure able to improve venous pumping function in patients with venous insufficiency?

Abstract

Background A too high resting pressure of compression devices is poorly tolerated and may cause skin defects, especially in patients with concomitant arterial occlusive disease. Aim To investigate whether low compression pressure will improve venous pumping function in patients with venous incompetence. Material and methods Venous pumping function was assessed in 20 patients with severe reflux in the great saphenous vein by measuring ejection fraction (EF) using strain-gauge plethysmography. Measurements were repeated after application of knee-high medical compression stockings and of inelastic bandages applied with a pressure of 20, 40 and 60 mmHg in the supine position. Results EF was significantly reduced compared with healthy controls. Compression stockings exerting a median pressure of 27 mmHg (interquartile range [IQR] 25–29) in the supine and 30.5 mmHg (IQR 28.25–34.25) in the standing position produced a moderate, non-significant improvement of EF of 17%. Inelastic bandages with a resting pressure of 20.5 mmHg (IQR 20–22) in the supine position resulting in a standing pressure of 36 mmHg (IQR 33–40.75) led to a significant increase of EF of 61.5% ( P < 0.01). A further increase of the resting pressure to 40 and 60 mmHg achieved an increase of the EF of 91% and 98%, respectively ( P < 0.001). Conclusions In patients with venous pumping failure, inelastic bandages produce a significant pressure-dependent increase of EF. A significant improvement in venous pumping function was achieved with inelastic bandages even at a resting pressure of 20 mmHg.