Chronic venous insufficiency can cause edema, pain, varicose veins, and the development of venous stasis ulcers.

Chronic venous insufficiency and venous stasis ulcers

Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by inadequate function of the one-way valves in the veins. When these valves lose their ability to close properly, the blood can flow backwards as well as forwards. This causes the veins to become swollen with blood. In addition, because they are so overfull, the veins lose their ability to pick up and transport interstitial fluid, and more fluid leaks out from the veins into the surrounding tissue. This is called venous edema. This extra fluid makes it difficult for the blood to nourish the tissues, and the tissue becomes inflamed and fragile. A small injury can lead to formation of an open wound, which does not heal – a venous stasis ulcer. The swelling keeps the borders of the wound apart – another barrier to healing.

Treatment

The cornerstone of treatment for chronic venous insufficiency is external compression. External compression works by pressing on the tissues and veins, reducing the diameter of the swollen vessels so that the blood inside them can flow more efficiently. Compression also assists in removing edema from the tissues.

There are various forms of external compression. Medical compression stockings are specially constructed to apply a gradient of pressure. Non-elastic static compression devices are also available. These are applied around the leg with straps to hold them in place.

Sequential compression for venous insufficiency

Sequential compression devices, such as Lympha Press Mini® 201M and The Petite Basic System™ can be especially helpful for treating chronic venous insufficiency and healing venous stasis ulcers. Their active compression replicates the effect of normal walking, helps oxygenate the tissues, and removes edema, promoting healing of venous stasis ulcers. Removing the stagnant edema allows for better nourishment and oxygenation of the tissues, and reduces swelling which will allow the borders of the chronic wounds to close.

Lympha Press® systems for chronic venous insufficiency

Our Lympha Press® and Petite Basic System™ have unique features that make them especially effective for treatment of venous insufficiency.

Rapid inflation time - means that the limb is under pressure for a shorter interval. This makes treatment more comfortable – especially for patients with painful wound beds. It also allows for more venous refill in between compressions.
Calibrated gradient pressure - three to twelve pressure zones individually adjustable at the pump¹, so that pressure can be adjusted over areas of focal discomfort.
Multiple overlapping chamber system - prevents reflux and maximizes venous return with our unique "milking" massage wave.
Adjustable pause time – increases the "rest" period between massage waves², to allow more venous refill time in patients that need it.

¹ Models 1033. 1201 and 201M only
² Model 701 only